Tearful Kate’s emotional birthday with coma husband
BRAVE Kate Garraway returned to Good Morning Britain yesterday and told tearfully of how she had taken some “challenging” days away to celebrate poorly husband Derek Draper’s birthday.
Derek was put in an induced coma after he contracted Covid-19 in March and although he is now conscious he remains in a critical condition. He may take months or even years to fully recover.
Presenter Kate, 53, was absent from her ITV show for the early part of the week – and upon her return said she had taken time off to mark his big day via FaceTime.
Speaking to co-host Adil Ray, the mum-of-two explained it had been Derek’s 53rd birthday.
Challenging
She said: “It was obviously a challenging one under the circumstances. We had a cake which we ate over FaceTime. It was very challenging for the kids but they are doing it brilliantly.
“We managed to do it with Derek’s family and technically hook up and sing Happy Birthday. We just hope the love seeps through.”
Kate, who is mum to Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, was also pleased to report a rosebush given to her as “a sign of hope” by weather presenter Laura Tobin began to flower on Derek’s birthday.
She also admitted she has become a target for trolls for “having a laugh” on the show while Derek is still in hospital.
During an interview with newly qualified paramedic Laura Heath – who has been criticised for sharing a “vain” selfie during the pandemic – Kate explained: “We’ve talked about this, with me doing this show, if we’re having a laugh and joke – because that’s our job in the morning, to cheer everybody up – people say, ‘Does that mean you’re not worried about Derek or you’re not feeling sad?’
“They see her posting and posing when she should be saving lives, not really understanding we’re all human and the most important thing is we have to laugh and smile. Nothing warrants abuse.”
Kate also offered advice to former Dynasty star Emma Samms, 59, who spoke on the show of fears she will never fully recover from her Covid-19 fight.
Kate has been giving weekly updates on Derek’s condition since returning to GMB a few weeks ago, after an extended break when he was taken into hospital.
When he was put in a coma, she said it was “the most difficult time” of her life.
She has also told how nurses have been putting GMB on the TV every morning in front of Derek “in the hope of triggering something”.