KATE Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper’s heartbreaking final message – after the couple planned a documentary “in his voice”.
Derek (56), who became known as the longest Covid patient, died in January after four years of suffering.
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Kate Garraway and Derek Draper planned documentary ‘in his voice’
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Derek died after a four-year battle for health Credit: ITV
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Kate and the couple’s two children at Derek’s funeral Credit: Dan Charity
A new film depicting the last year of Derek’s life will be shown on ITV on March 26.
The documentary will show how Kate supported Derek through his four-year health battle – and looks back on their early years together.
Speaking today, Kate revealed Derek’s final message after he asked her to make the film.
Never give up fighting for what you believe in and for the people you love
Derek Draper
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate said: “I asked Derek, ‘What would be your main message?’
“And he said: ‘Never give up fighting for what you believe in and for the people you love.’
“His words and speech were so limited and there were so many things he wanted to say about the struggle we all had as a family.
“That’s why we set out to tell Derek’s story together to highlight how he and our family are just one of the millions who have to deal with the challenges of severe disability or life-threatening illness every day.
“And we wanted to celebrate the incredible work of caregivers, both professional and those who do it for love.”
Kate said the film was “a way to hear Derek’s voice” but “it was so hard to end without him”.
Brave Kate Garraway in emotional TV interview after husband Derek Draper’s funeral
She said: “I’m delighted that the film is a tribute to Derek and his incredible spirit.
“It’s also a tribute to all those who fight to make every second of life count, no matter what’s thrown at them.”
The presenter also revealed how Derek came up with the idea for the film.
She said: “I remember so vividly that the idea of making this third documentary came from Derek himself in the first place.
“I wasn’t planning on doing another one. He was released after four months in the hospital for sepsis.
“We were very positive about his recovery. Derek was determined to keep getting better and progressing.
“One day we sat together while I nursed him.
“Suddenly, out of nowhere, he asked: ‘Are we making another documentary?’
“I said, ‘Well, I didn’t really plan to. Did you think you’d want that?’
“And he firmly said yes. I said, ‘Well, if we want to, I think we should work on it together and it should be your story, told in your voice.’
“Derek became very emotional at the idea, because his words and speech were so limited.
“There were so many things he wanted to say about the struggle we all had as a family and he wanted to talk about it.”
In March 2020, Derek was rushed to hospital with a Covid infection, sparking years of heartbreaking health battles.
After being taken to hospital, Derek spent 214 days on a ventilator, nearly four months in an induced coma and lost eight stone as well as the ability to speak properly.
After returning home in April 2021, Derek required round-the-clock care and was rushed back to hospital with “life-threatening” sepsis in August the following year.
After that, Derek’s health deteriorated even more.
In December 2023, Kate was by her husband’s side again after he suffered a massive heart attack.
Sadly, he passed away in January after his ongoing health battle.
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story airs Tuesday 26 March at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX and STV.
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