Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has bravely revealed the staggering financial devastation her family endured during her late husband Derek Draper's gruelling four-year health battle.
In her powerful new ITV documentary, 'Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story', the broadcaster lays bare the immense emotional and monetary cost of caring for Derek, who required round-the-clock care after being ravaged by Covid-19. The film serves as a heartbreaking sequel to her previous two documentaries, charting the final chapter of their journey.
The financial burden has been astronomical, with Kate disclosing that Derek's care costs soared to an eye-watering £16,000 per month – a sum that far exceeded her salary from ITV. This left her grappling with an impossible situation, battling to keep her family afloat while ensuring her husband received the best possible support.
"I am in debt. I can't earn enough money to cover my debt because I'm managing Derek's care and I can't even use the money I do have to support Derek's recovery because it's going on the basics all the time," Kate explains in the documentary, highlighting the cruel Catch-22 faced by many families in similar situations.
A System in Crisis
The documentary goes beyond one family's personal tragedy to shine a harsh light on the immense pressures facing the UK's social care system and the thousands of families trapped within it. Kate's story becomes a powerful testament to the gaps in support that force individuals to sacrifice their financial security to care for their loved ones.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Kate’s unwavering devotion to Derek is the central thread of the film. It captures intimate moments from their final year together, showcasing his courageous efforts to communicate and connect despite his debilitating condition.
'Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story' is more than a documentary; it is a raw and unflinching look at love, loss, and the brutal reality of navigating a care system in crisis. It airs on Tuesday, March 26th at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
