Kate Garraway has paid a touching Father's Day tribute to her late husband Derek Draper, saying he was "robbed of more time" to see their two children grow up. The Good Morning Britain presenter shared a photo with her own father, Gordon, on Instagram, writing: "My wonderful Dad #fathersday has been a bitter sweet one for us over the last few years. So grateful I still have my Dad (and Darcey & Bill have Papa) and get to have a walk in the sunshine with him still today."
Tribute to Derek Draper
The 59-year-old broadcaster then spoke of Derek, with whom she shares daughter Darcey, 20, and son Billy, 16: "But also thinking of the Dad that isn't here who we miss so much - maybe you are feeling something similar too. Being a Dad was Derek's favourite thing and I will always be sad he was robbed of more time to see D & B grow up and flourish but we treasure the time we had and keep the memories alive."
She added: "Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's and Dad figures - you are incredible and we are lucky to have you for however long fate allows. Sending love to all those missing theirs and hope the love that was there is still filling your heart xxxx."
Support from Colleagues and Fans
Her Good Morning Britain colleague Susanna Reid was among the first to comment, writing: "Sending so much love to you all." Fans also sent well wishes, with one posting: "Beautiful picture and lovely words." Another said: "So true Kate sending lots of love." A third added: "I lost my Dad in 2019 and miss him so much. Thinking of you and your family xx."
Derek Draper's Death
Former political lobbyist and psychotherapist Derek died in January 2024 at the age of 56. He had been suffering from the effects of Covid for four years and was rushed to hospital after a heart attack just before Christmas 2023. Sadly, Kate announced that doctors had been unable to save him. Sharing the news, she said Derek passed away "surrounded by his family in his final days" and that she was "holding his hand throughout the last long hours when he passed."
Posting a photo of Derek before he became ill, Kate wrote: "I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications." She thanked the medical teams who fought to save him and said: "Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."
Derek's Battle with Covid
Derek was first hospitalized after contracting Covid in March 2020. He fell into a coma at the start of the global pandemic and was put on a ventilator, becoming Britain's longest-suffering Covid-19 victim as he spent 13 months in hospital. He returned home in April 2021 but required round-the-clock care and assistance as he struggled to return to full health. His body could not survive the heart attack he suffered just before Christmas 2023.
Kate's New Relationship
More than two years after losing Derek, Kate shared the happy news that she had found love again with new boyfriend Liam Halligan. Liam is an Irish-British economist and journalist who presents The Telegraph's weekly Planet Normal podcast and was reportedly friendly with Kate's late husband. Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show last month, Kate opened up about the relationship for the first time, telling The Mirror: "It is lovely." But she added that it was still early days: "We basically haven't really had time for a proper date! I don't want to jinx it! I don't want to say anything because I will jinx it!"
