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Virgin Radio
5 Jan 2024, 11:58
Credit: Rex
Derek Draper, former political adviser and Kate Garraway's husband, has sadly died aged 56.
He had been living with complications due to coronavirus since March 2020, becoming one of the UK’s longest-suffering COVID patients after spending 13 months in hospital.
Good Morning Britain host Kate confirmed the sad news via Instagram, writing: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.”
She continued: “Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Former Labour Party spokesperson Alistair Campbell led tributes on social media, writing on X: "Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper. He was a huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before Covid took its toll. Sad above all for @kategarraway and the children. Their love and support was profound and unshakeable to the end. RIP."
Chorley-born Derek worked as a Labour party lobbyist for over a decade, before leaving politics in 1998 after being involved in the so-called 'Lobbygate' scandal. He subsequently retrained as a psychotherapist and later worked as a writer in magazines and newspapers.
The author also published two books: Blair's 100 Days and Life Support. He and Kate married in 2005, and share two children.
Derek's health had suffered a setback in December after suffering a heart attack, and had previously returned to hospital in November for more treatment.
Kate has been incredibly candid about Derek’s health struggles since his coronavirus diagnosis. Back in October, Kate revealed that her husband had fought “a nasty infection” which “set him back a bit”.
Derek’s 13-month-long hospital battle with Covid-19 led to him being put in a medically induced coma and needing a ventilator.
As Kate has opened up about in the past, her husband’s illness caused long term damage to his organs, and led to him needing 24/7 care at home.
The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Derek's family and friends.
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