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Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper is ‘still critically ill’ with coronavirus as Smooth presenter gives emotional update
24 April 2020, 13:14
Smooth Radio’s Kate Garraway has shared an update on her husband Derek Draper’s condition after contracting coronavirus at the end of March.
Kate told her social media followers that her husband of 15 years is “still critically ill” in hospital after being put into an induced coma.
The presenter posted a video while standing on the street clapping for carers with her children Darcey and Billy.
Kate captioned the video: “Another emotional #clapthecarers & never has it been more needed.
“If this pandemic #lockdown is dragging on for us, imagine what it is like for them. Shift after endlessly long shift, bravely going to work, to battle the virus and give our loved ones a chance.
“None of those keeping my Derek alive have ever made me feel it’s a chore, they want to win this as much as I want them to, but it must be so hard.”
Click here for the latest coronavirus advice from the NHS
Kate added: “He is still critically ill in intensive care, but where there is life there is hope. Thank you #nhs from the bottom of my heart.
“Thank you too for all your wonderful messages and advice of how to get through this. I am gathering the things that have helped me and putting them on my free clubgarraway.com. I know I am not alone in struggling.
“We are all facing challenges, whether we have a sick loved one or not, so let’s stand together & I hope something on there helps YOU – even if it’s just to share!! Lots of love Kate xxx #hope #love.”
Derek, 52, has been battling coronavirus in intensive care after being taken to hospital in March with a confirmed case of Covid-19.
Kate’s friend and Good Morning Britain co-presenter Ben Shephard explained Kate had been able to share music and messages with her husband from afar.
Update From Kate Garraway About Husband's Coronavirus Battle - Good Morning Britain
He told viewers: “She wanted to share that she’s been able to speak to Derek in the evenings in the coma. “She’s been able to share music with him, to talk to him, to support him.”
Charlotte Hawkins added: “Normally you’d be able to be there, right by your loved one’s side… it’s so hard for families not being able to be there, not being able to see their loved ones.”
Ben continued: “She said, the thing you can pass on to everybody… she’s been able to pass on those messages that you’ve sent to her, to Derek.
“So he’s getting a sense of the support and positivity that’s coming from all of you. As Kate said last week, she can’t respond to everybody, much as she wishes she’d love to be able to.
“In quieter moments, she can scroll through them. The emotion and support she’s getting from everyone is really, really helping. It’s really tough, it’s really, really tough.”
Everyone at Smooth is thinking of Derek, Kate, Darcey and Billy and are wishing Derek a speedy recovery.
