Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has shared a harrowing and deeply personal account of the immense financial burden she shouldered during her late husband Derek Draper's long battle with Covid-19.
In a raw and emotional new documentary, 'Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story', the ITV star reveals the astronomical costs of around £16,000 a month for the specialist care Derek required before his tragic passing in January. Garraway confesses she is now facing an uncertain financial future, having poured her life savings into his treatment and exhausting all available resources.
A Crisis Beyond Grief
The documentary serves as a poignant follow-up to two previous films, detailing the former political lobbyist's devastating health decline. Derek became one of the UK's longest-suffering Covid patients after contracting the virus in March 2020, which left him with extensive damage to his organs and requiring round-the-clock care.
Garraway explains that despite her successful television career, her income was simply "not enough to cover my costs" for Derek's care. She was forced to borrow money and is now grappling with the daunting reality of how to move forward, both emotionally and financially.
The Overwhelming Reality of Being a Carer
The programme doesn't shy away from the stark financial realities many carers face. Kate discloses she had to apply for a £80,000 limit on her credit card just to manage the bills, a shocking revelation that highlights the hidden crisis for families dealing with long-term illness.
Her powerful story is not just one of personal grief, but a stark indictment of the systemic challenges within the care system. She speaks candidly about the difficult choices and the constant worry that came with funding the care that kept her husband alive.
Kate Garraway's courageous decision to share her story shines a vital light on the immense financial and emotional pressure faced by thousands of families across the country, making her latest documentary a truly powerful and essential watch.
