Derek Draper, husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has died after suffering long-term complications from coronavirus.
Draper, a former political adviser, spent 13 months in hospital after contracting the virus in March 2020 and was left with extensive organ damage.
Garraway announced this morning that her “darling husband” had died and she had been “by his side holding his hand throughout his last long hours.”
She said he had been “critically ill” after a cardiac arrest in early December, adding that “the damage inflicted by COVID in March 2020, led to further complications”.
“I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now 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,” she said in a post on Instagram.
“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.”
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Among those sending messages of condolences were Garraway’s Good Morning Britain co-hosts, Susannah Reid and Charlotte Hawkins, who commented; So desperately sorry Kate, it’s absolutely heart-breaking. So much love to you all.”
Elton John said: “So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family.”
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “It is extraordinary and remarkable that Derek survived so long after the ravages of COVID. And that was in large measure due to the love Derek had for his family and they for him. This also says something very special about Derek.”
Draper worked alongside Blair in the 1990s.
“He was a tough sometimes ruthless political operative, a brilliant adviser and someone you always wanted on your side. But underneath that tough exterior he was a loving, kind, generous and good natured man you wanted as a friend,” Blair said.
“He was an important part of the New Labour story, at the centre of things right at the beginning. But most important of all, he was a good colleague and great friend. And we will miss him deeply.”
Kate Garraway and Derek Draper married in 2005 and had two children, Billy and Darcey.
Mr Draper was just 56-years-old.
