On her 57th birthday, Kate Garraway provided her followers with a glimpse into her poignant celebrations, the first since her husband Derek Draper’s passing in January. The Good Morning Britain star, whose birthday falls on May 4th, shared a video on Instagram on Sunday.
The video showed her surrounded by loved ones who showered her with gifts and sweet treats the previous Saturday. In the caption of the video, Kate confessed that while she felt tempted to “cry all day,” she ultimately chose to “celebrate life” in tribute to her dearly beloved husband.
“Well yesterday was another one of those sad 1st’s – my first birthday since Derek’s passing,” she began.
“Woke up feeling so sad & thought well I can either cry all day or celebrate life as he did so well.”
Kate added: “And thanks to wonderful friends it worked! See you on @gmb tomorrow from 6 – happy bank holiday weekend everyone!”
Last month, Kate encountered another significant milestone when she attended her inaugural solo red carpet event at The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards. Despite the challenges she’s faced following Derek’s passing at the age of 56, the TV personality maintained her trademark smile while posing for photos outside the London Hotel.
She was adorned in a pastel yellow suit paired with a sparkling halterneck bodysuit layered with a rhinestone-studded white tie. Derek, a former political advisor, endured a four-year battle as the nation’s longest-suffering COVID patient before his passing.
The ITV star shared the news of her husband’s death in an Instagram post, writing: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.”
Kate continued: “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.”
Kate thanked the medical professionals who made Derek’s passing “comfortable” and “as dignified as possible”.
She added: “Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
In 2020, Derek received his initial diagnosis of coronavirus and remained hospitalized for 13 months before his discharge. Upon returning home, he received continuous care from specialist nurses as well as from his devoted wife, Kate.
Kate has produced three documentaries chronicling her family’s journey as Derek confronted the long-term repercussions of COVID-19.
Two of these documentaries earned National Television Awards in the authored documentary category. Additionally, she authored two books: “The Power Of Hope: The Moving Memoir From ITV’s Kate Garraway” and “The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism.”
In March, Kate starred in “Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story,” offering an intimate portrayal of her support for Derek throughout his health struggles.
“I am delighted that the film is a tribute to Derek and his incredible spirit,” remarked Kate. “It’s also a tribute to all of those who fight on to make every second of life count, whatever is thrown at them.”
