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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Jacob Stolworthy,Isobel Lewis,Nicole Vassell and Tara Cobham

Derek Draper: Tributes pour in as ‘brave’ and ‘strong’ Kate Garraway announces husband’s death

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Derek Draper death: Tributes pour in as ‘brave’ Kate Garraway announces husband’s death

Tributes are pouring in for Derek Draper, the husband of Kate Garraway, who has died, aged 56.

TV presenter Garraway has been caring for the former Labour Party adviser ever since he contracted Covid in the early stages of the pandemic.

In December, Draper suffered a heart attack that left him “fighting for his life” due to “the damage inflicted” by Covid”, which Garraway said caused “further complications”.

Kate Garraway, with her husband Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway (Andrew Matthews/PA)
— (PA Archive)

Garraway announced her husband’s death on Friday (5 January), writing: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. 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 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.”

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