If telling the story of my husband’s illness helps another in despair, it will mean a lot
THIS month marks a year since the first coronavirus lockdown began in the UK. For presenter Kate Garraway, March 2020 was also the month her husband Derek was hospitalised with the virus. Now, 12 months on, he still hasn’t returned home as he remains seriously ill.
Derek, a former political lobbyist, was placed in an induced coma, and although he is now free of Covid-19, he has been left with holes in his heart and lungs.
Kate’s story has touched many viewers. The Good Morning Britain presenter said: “In the darkest of times you can find goodness and love just when you need it most and helping each other is the only way we will get through this grimmest of times.
“I’ve learned about the kindness of strangers. It has been the toughest of times for me and my family, as it has for so many others and the good wishes and sympathy from viewers and listeners has really helped.”
However, she also knows that her experience isn’t unique. In this documentary, she allows the cameras to follow her as her family adjusts to a new way of life.
Kate, Derek
She also hears from other people who have been affected by coronavirus and are still dealing with its effects, even as many in Britain begin to feel a new optimism following the roll out of the vaccines and talk of the road map out of lockdown.
Kate hears the stories of community nurse
Orli, who after a year is still experiencing lifechanging symptoms of Long-covid, and Julie, whose husband Steve has not regained consciousness after contracting the disease.
She will also share her own experiences, telling the real story behind the headlines. Kate has written a book about her life-changing year called The Power of Hope, which is due to be released next month, and she hopes her story can help others.
Speaking about the book, she says: “Whilst my experience of Covid is an extreme/ extraordinary one, I am only too aware that this virus has impacted every single one of us. We are all going through this, to a greater or lesser degree. By telling the story of Derek’s illness and how it has altered our lives, I hope to be able to reach out to others who are suffering.”
She added: “If writing about my experience of facing fear, coping day to day with an uncertain future, and finding strength for the sake of my kids can in some way help another who is feeling lost or in despair, it will mean a lot.”
The documentary will no doubt also strike a chord for many people as she reflects on how different her life is now to the one she lived before the pandemic, and explores what the still somewhat unknown, longer-terms effects of coronavirus might be.
I’ve learned about the kindness of strangers Kate Garraway on the support of the public
■ Kate Garraway: Finding Derek is on ITV, Tuesday, at 9pm