REST GENTLY AND PEACEFULLY...KATE'S PAIN AT LOSS OF 'DARLING' DEREK

HEARTBROKEN Kate Garraway has paid tribute to her "darling husband" Derek Draper revealing she was "by his side holding his hand" as he lost his long battle with Covid.

- Robert Kellaway

The Good Morning Britain host, whose devotion to Derek won the nation's admiration, told him: "Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life." In an emotional statement, the star announced that Derek had passed away aged 56 after an almost four-year battle to survive the effects of coronavirus.

Kate, 56, said: "I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.

"As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.

"I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

Wedding...Derek and Kate in 2005

"Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support.

"Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."

Support

The couple's two children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, were with their father during his final hours.

It is understood he died in a hospice close to the family home in North London on Wednesday night.