Kate Garraway shares moving update on husband Derek Draper's health during Clap for Carers

22 May 2020, 11:25

Kate Garraway’s shares heartbreaking update on husband Derek Draper's health
Kate Garraway’s shares heartbreaking update on husband Derek Draper's health. Picture: Rex • Kate Garraway • Instagram

By Rory O'Connor

Kate Garraway gave an update to her 761,000 Instagram followers about the health of her husband Derek Draper.

Derek has been in hospital since the end of March, with Kate now saying that each day brings “new and devastating ways” for the “virus to have more battles for Derek to fight.”

The Smooth Radio presenter posted a video of herself, alongside daughter Darcey and son Billy, as all three took part in Thursday night’s clap for carers.

Posting on her Instagram, Kate wrote: “I didn’t even know Darcey had bought this T-shirt online (with my card!) until she emerged tonight but I do know how grateful she is to the #nhs.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how she & Billy have coped with these past two horrific months for our family - always finding ways of lifting our spirits and staying strong even when they can see me wobbling.

Click here for the latest coronavirus advice from the NHS

“It’s so wonderful to see little green shoots of hope that this dreadful disease is easing and that hopefully soon we might all be able to see each other again and hug our nearest and dearest.

“But the journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as everyday my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight.

Read more: Kate Garraway opens up on 'tough' birthday without husband Derek Draper: 'His absence was very present'

“But he is still HERE and so there is still hope. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who will be affected by this, not just for the next few weeks but for the foreseeable future.

“That will be the case for many who have suffered from the disease, but also the front line workers who have been helping to treat the worst affected.

Kate Garraway with husband Derek Draper
Kate Garraway with husband Derek Draper. Picture: PA

Read more: Kate Garraway FaceTimes husband Derek in hospital while clapping for carers: 'I believe he can hear us'

“The physical and mental scars will run deep and so we need to stick together far beyond the end of lockdown. Thank you so much for all your messages.”

Kate added: “I am going to share more of the things that have been keeping me going on clubgarraway.com. And I would love to hear more of your challenges and thoughts there too. Sharing is such a comfort. #hope #staypositive #clapthecarers.”

Everyone at Smooth is thinking of Derek, Kate, Darcey and Billy and are wishing Derek a speedy recovery.