In a profoundly moving and candid new interview, ITV's Kate Garraway has laid bare the staggering financial and emotional toll of her late husband Derek Draper's long illness.
The Good Morning Britain presenter revealed that the extensive care needed for Derek, who passed away in January after a near-four-year battle with COVID-19, has left her with astronomical bills, pushing her family's finances to the absolute brink.
'The Numbers Are Terrifying'
Speaking with The Times, Kate explained that despite returning to her demanding broadcasting job, her salary is utterly eclipsed by the enormous cost of Derek's care. "I'm not sure how we will cope," she admitted, highlighting the cruel reality that many families face when dealing with long-term illness.
"The debt is enormous. It's not a case of 'I need to work to earn a living'; I need to work to try and cover these costs. The numbers are terrifying."
A Legacy of Love and Struggle
Derek Draper, a former political lobbyist, became one of the UK's longest-suffering COVID patients after contracting the virus in March 2020. His fight for life and Kate's unwavering devotion were documented in two award-winning ITV documentaries, Finding Derek and Caring for Derek.
Kate's heartbreaking honesty sheds light on the hidden crisis faced by thousands, where the end of a loved one's life does not mean the end of the financial struggle. Her story is a powerful call for a greater understanding of the realities of long-term care and its devastating impact.
