GOOD Morning Britain star Richard Arnold has revealed he has become a carer for his poor mum Dot – and says Kate Garraway has been secretly supporting him in his new life chapter.
GMB presenter Kate was a carer for her late husband Derek Draper for almost four years before he tragically passed away last month on January 3.
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Richard spoke about becoming his mum’s carer and said GMB colleague Kate was supporting him. Credit: Rex
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Richard and Kate have been friends for decadesCredit: instagram/@tvsrichardarnold
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Richard’s dad David passed away seven years ago and is now his mum’s carer DotCredit: instagram/@tvsrichardarnold
But she has been by Richard’s side for the past year since his mother suffered a life-changing diagnosis and suddenly became dependent on him.
The TV star now spends hours a day looking after Dot, 81, in the morning before work and in the afternoon after presenting showbiz news on Good Morning Britain.
Speaking to The Sun, for Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Campaign, he said: “It’s been a very public journey for Kate as well as a very private one and I think it’s at the heart of the spotlight she’s thrown on the caring profession, especially because I, you know, I take care of my mom every day.
“Mom had health problems last year and unfortunately now she is no longer independent, and I am there every day.
“I remember saying to Kate, you know, you feel guilty when you’re there, are you doing enough? And then you feel guilty when you’re not there enough. Anyone who’s been in that position as a sort of unpaid carer knows that’s a huge responsibility.
“Especially with someone you love and appreciate and want to make every day the best you can.
“So what Kate has done in bringing light to that community I think is remarkable.”
Kate has bravely combined work at GMB and Smooth Radio with looking after Derek and their two children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14.
Derek’s illness crippled the family emotionally and financially – Kate was hit with a £716,000 tax bill when she was forced to close his psychotherapy business.
And after Derek was discharged from hospital in 2021, Kate spent tens of thousands of pounds adapting their home for him and, along with a team of carers, helped support Derek around the clock.
Kate Garraway fights back tears on GMB and reveals why she’s back at work just days after Derek Draper’s funeral
Others may have crumbled under the pressure, but Kate managed to keep a smile – and even used Derek’s plight to raise awareness of other families whose lives have been torn apart by prolonged Covid.
And just days after Derek’s funeral, Kate returned to the screens earlier this week to remember her late husband.
Holding back tears, she said, “I don’t know how it will be. Grief cannot be contained in a day or a year.
“People ask me why I’m going back to work. Life has to start. We have to pick ourselves up and move on.
“That’s what Derek would have wanted me to do. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
Richard is an only child, and his beloved dad David sadly passed away seven years ago, leaving his mother a widow.
He said the three were extremely close, and it was a “privilege” to take care of his mom.
The next chapter
But the daunting job was made less isolating thanks to his colleague and long-time friend Kate, who shared her expertise in caring for Derek.
He continued: “I was able to talk to her about managing the care system because, you know, initially when you’re at a stage in life where you have to navigate it, it seems quite daunting.
“With my mum, luckily she’s there, as they say, as for the marbles, it’s just a shame that her body is fragile now and she can’t walk without help.
“I have to be with her and it’s something we just take day by day.
“But we were very lucky. One special condition was that mom had a nurse who would come once or twice a week, her name was Priscilla.
“She was fantastic. And now that mum’s a bit better, Priscilla isn’t working, but the district nurses were fantastic.
“But it can be quite scary for anyone at first, but Kate has had tremendous support.
“But everyone has (at GMB) because we are all in that, in a way, phase of life.
“You know, it’s the next chapter and, you know, if you can get through the next chapter with a supportive ensemble, I mean, obviously friends, family, not just colleagues, you win.”
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