BRAVE Kate Garraway smiles with a friend in a photo for the first time since husband Derek Draper tragically passed away.
The Good Morning Britain star, 56, managed a smile as she met up with a friend ahead of Derek’s funeral in north London next Friday.
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Kate Garraway was spotted in North LondonCredit: Splash
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It is the first time she has been seen since the death of her husband Derek. Credit: Splash
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Derek died earlier this year
Kate will be surrounded by friends and family during the heartbreaking service, which will take place four weeks after the former psychotherapist’s death from complications caused by Covid.
Derek died aged just 56 while battling a devastating heart attack.
Last night a source said: “It’s been an incredibly emotional few weeks for the whole family.
“Kate and Derek’s two children, Darcey and Billy, were of course very badly affected and Kate stoically tried to hold things together for their own good. She was an absolute rock.
read more about Kate and Derek
“As anyone who has lost a family member will testify, organizing a funeral is extremely time-consuming and painful.
“But the day itself will be a joyous celebration of a wonderful man.”
The presenter’s husband tragically died holding her hand, after a four-year health battle caused by Covid.
Kate adapted the family home to make it more accessible and easier for Derek to get around – spending countless hours by her husband’s side supporting him.
But tragically, Derek was taken to hospital late last year when he had a heart attack.
Strong Kate Garraway then made a desperate 12-hour flight to the UK with her husband in an attempt to save his life.
Despite all the efforts and support, Kate revealed the heartbreaking news of Derek’s death on Instagram.
In an emotional statement, she said: “I am saddened to tell you all that my dear husband Derek has passed away.
“As some of you may know, he was critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December, which, due to the damage caused by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his last days and I was by his side holding his hand during the last long hours and when he passed away.
“I have a lot more to say and of course I will in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and make his last moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending lots of love and gratitude to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support.
“Now rest in peace Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Just days after his death, Kate shared a touching tribute to Derek on GMB.
In a statement, Kate said: “Hello everyone. Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me.
“It really means a lot to me, Darcey, Billy and all of Derek’s family.”
She added: “We need time to heal, now that Darcey and Billy know their dad is at peace and free of pain and struggle.”
Derek Draper’s four-year health battle
- March 30, 2020: Derek is rushed unresponsive to hospital with Covid.
- April 24: He was put into an induced coma.
- June 5: Kat reveals that Derek is free of Covid, but his body has suffered damage.
- July 5: Awakens from a deep coma, but remains “minimally conscious.”
- September 6: Kate then reveals that Derek has lost eight stone and is unable to speak.
- September 29: Derek becomes the longest-suffering Covid patient after spending 184 days in hospital.
- October 30: Wakes up from a coma and speaks for the first time in seven months.
- October 31: He is finally taken off the ventilator after 214 days in the hospital.
- 7 January 2021: Kate reveals that the children got to visit Derek for Christmas – the first time since he was in hospital.
- April 9: Derek returns home after more than a year, but needs round-the-clock care.
- May 4: He can talk more.
- December 22: Photographed in public for the first time on panto.
- February 21, 2022: Kate says they secretly flew to Mexico for a medical.
- July 6: Derek is rushed back to the hospital.
- August 1: He is in intensive care with “life-threatening” sepsis.
- 28 June 2023: Sees wife Kate made an MBE.
- October 8: Kate reveals that Derek is “not feeling well” after the infection.
- November 23: In the hospital for mobility assistance.
- December 11: He fell ill and suffered a heart attack.
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The brave GMB star caught up with a friend ahead of Derek’s funeral next weekCredit: Splash
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