ITV's beloved Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has bravely revealed the staggering financial and emotional devastation left by her late husband Derek Draper's prolonged illness and tragic death.
In an intensely personal and raw new documentary, 'Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story', the broadcaster pulls back the curtain on a reality few see: the astronomical, relentless costs of caring for a loved one with complex needs. The bills, she discloses, soared to an eye-watering £16,000 per month, pushing the family to the absolute brink financially.
A Love Story Interrupted by Tragedy
Derek Draper, a former political lobbyist and Kate's husband of almost 19 years, became one of the UK's most well-known COVID-19 patients after being hospitalised with the virus at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. He spent a gruelling 13 months in hospital before finally returning home, but required round-the-clock care due to the extensive damage the illness inflicted on his body.
Despite a glimmer of hope last year when he was able to attend their daughter Darcey's confirmation, Derek's health remained incredibly fragile. He was in and out of hospital before his heartbreaking passing in January 2024.
The Crushing Weight of Care Costs
Garraway's new film serves as a stark sequel to her two previous documentaries, showing the unvarnished truth of their life. She explains that her incredible salary from ITV was completely swallowed by the costs of Derek's care, which was not fully covered by the NHS.
"I am in debt," she admits with heartbreaking honesty. "I can't earn enough money to cover my debt because I am managing Derek's care. I can't even use the money I have to help with my debt because I have to hold it ready for Derek's needs."
She describes the cruel irony of her situation: being too wealthy to qualify for government support, yet not nearly wealthy enough to afford the care her husband desperately needed without immense strain.
A Nation's Story Told Through One Family
This isn't just Kate's story; she positions it as a mirror to a national crisis. Her documentary shines a searing light on the struggles faced by thousands of families across Britain who are battling a complex and often inadequate social care system.
It’s a powerful call for a conversation about the true cost of care, the gaps in state support, and the immense sacrifice made by carers everywhere. Kate Garraway's immense bravery in sharing her 'never-ending battle' is a testament to her love for Derek and her commitment to fighting for change in his memory.
