SUSANNA Reid fought back tears as she read Kate Garraway’s tribute to Derek on GMB this morning – and the star said her children “know dad is at peace”.
Derek (56), who became known as the country’s longest Covid patient, died last week after four years of suffering.
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Kate Garraway with her late husband Derek Draper
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Susanna Reid was in tears after the tributes were broadcast
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Garraway said the couple’s children ‘know dad is at peace’
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The tribute was followed by a montage of cute pictures
Garraway and the couple’s children were by Derek’s side during his final hours.
Her email message to viewers was recorded as an audio recording by Reid and aired on GMB shortly after 6am this morning.
The video was accompanied by a montage of cute pictures of Kate, Derek and their children.
Kate said: “Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all the lovely messages you’ve sent me.
“It really means a lot to me, Darcey, Billy and all of Derek’s family.
“They are an incredible comfort and I am so happy to feel connected to all of you through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.
“And that’s the wonderful thing, isn’t it, about our GMB family – that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through life’s challenges.
She added: “Knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys we share together.
“I’m sure the support you’ve given me and sent to Derek has kept us going through these difficult almost 4 years, motivating us to fight for each other and for those who can’t fight for themselves.
“And that will support us to continue that fight in the weeks, months and years to come.
“I look forward to waking up again very soon with you on GMB to once again celebrate life in all its wonders and challenges.
“I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be home. My family is so grateful that we were able to be with our dearest Derek in his final moments, something not everyone can share.
“Perhaps you yourself are going through grief, or have been in the past.
“I send love and support to you too.
“We need time to heal, now that Darcey and Billy know their dad is at peace and free of pain and struggle.
“I will be thinking of you all until we meet again soon.
“In the meantime, hug your loved ones – all my love, Kate.”
‘CLASSIC KATE’
Susanna, who co-hosted with Richard Madeley, was left in tears after the message was broadcast just after 6am this morning.
She said: “It’s absolutely classic that Kate, in circumstances that are so deeply painful for her and her family, thinks of absolutely everyone else who might be in the same situation.
“Kate’s unwavering devotion to Derek and her determination to help him recover from the devastating effects of Covid has been imprinted on everyone who knows her, as well as across the nation.
“From the royal family to the political leaders of the country. From those who work in medicine to those who work in showbiz.
“And to many of you watching at home.”
Derek has had health issues including holes in his heart after contracting the virus at the start of the 2020 pandemic.
The father was put into an induced coma after contracting the virus and put on a ventilator.
Derek spent 13 months in the hospital.
After being discharged in 2021, Derek ended up in the hospital several times.
In an article for The Sun, former GMB colleague Piers Morgan wrote about Kate’s inspiring courage during Derek’s illness and how their marriage helped them through his tragic illness.
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Susanna and Kate are close friends from their GMB time together Credit: Rex
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Kate requested that Susanna read her statement live on GMB today Credit: Charity Day / The Sun
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