06 January 2024 , 21:30
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Derek Draper got to share his last Christmas with wife Kate Garraway and their two children after the devoted family decided to bring the festivities to him in hospital.
Tragic Derek, 56, who fought a brave Covid battle for nearly four years, died on Wednesday after suffering complications after a cardiac arrest.
He was too unwell to be at home on December 25. But rather than spend the day without their beloved husband and dad, TV and radio presenter Kate, 56, daughter Darcey, 17, and son Billy, 14, decided to spend the day by his bedside.
A source said: “Unfortunately Derek was too unwell for doctors to allow him home for Christmas. But the last thing Kate wanted was for him to be alone during the holidays.
Kate, who married him in 2005, made two TV documentaries about his care (ITV)“So they brought Christmas to him, food, presents and all. The whole family was there with him and they had the best day they could.”
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Ex-Labour lobbyist Derek fell ill with Covid at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital. He went home in 2021, but later had to be hospitalised again.
Kate, who married him in 2005, made two TV documentaries, Finding Derek and Caring For Derek – and won praise for raising the profile of unpaid carers.
Derek bursts into tears as he receives birthday card from daughter Darcy (itv)In Caring for Derek, he bursts into tears as Darcey, then 15, gives him a hug and a birthday card declaring him the “world’s greatest father”.
Kate announced Derek’s passing on Friday, saying: “I was by his side holding his hand throughout the long last hours.” She added: “Rest gently and peacefully now, Derek my love. I was so lucky to have you in my life.”