In a moving display of friendship and solidarity, Susanna Reid has publicly reached out to her Good Morning Britain co-host Kate Garraway following the heartbreaking death of her husband, Derek Draper.
A Devastating Loss After Long Health Battle
The 56-year-old broadcaster took to social media to share her condolences after Derek Draper passed away at the age of 56, following an extensive and courageous battle with long COVID. Draper had been hospitalized since December 2020 after contracting the virus, which left him with lasting damage to his organs and requiring round-the-clock care.
Susanna's emotional message resonated with thousands of fans, demonstrating the deep bond between the two television presenters who have shared the GMB sofa for years.
Public Support During Private Grief
"My heart goes out to you Kate and your family," Susanna wrote in her touching tribute. "You have shown such strength and grace throughout. Derek was so proud of you and loved you so much."
The public gesture comes as Kate faces one of the most difficult periods of her life, having cared for her husband through nearly four years of severe health complications since his initial COVID infection.
A Story That Touched the Nation
Kate Garraway's journey as a carer for her husband became widely known through her documentary "Finding Derek," which won a National Television Award in 2022. The programme offered a raw and honest look at the devastating long-term effects of COVID-19 and the challenges faced by families dealing with long COVID.
Throughout Derek's illness, Kate has been open about the emotional and practical difficulties of navigating the healthcare system while raising their two children and maintaining her television career.
Colleagues and Fans Rally Around
The outpouring of support extends beyond Susanna Reid, with numerous colleagues from the broadcasting world and political figures who knew Derek during his time as a political advisor sharing their condolences.
Derek Draper was a former Labour political advisor who became a psychotherapist and author later in his career. His passing marks the tragic conclusion to a health battle that has highlighted the severe, long-term consequences COVID-19 can have on some patients.
As Kate and her family navigate this period of grief, the support from colleagues like Susanna Reid demonstrates the television family that stands behind her during this profoundly difficult time.
