Derek Draper burst into tears during filming for wife Kate Garraway's ITV documentary Caring for Derek, which aired on Tuesday night.
The follow-up to Finding Derek followed Derek's recovery, as he returned home after more than a year in hospital amid his battle with long Covid.
Derek, 54, contracted the coronavirus in March 2020 and did not return home for a year, after he was put into an induced coma by doctors.
He has battled severe long-term effects and a series of health problems since his diagnosis, including multiple organ failure and clots on his lung, and continues to recover almost two years on.
Derek requires around-the-clock care, and continues to have issues with mobility and communication, while the family have seen improvements that have given them hope.
One thing his family have said is still clear to see is his love for his children, Darcey and Billy.
An emotional moment following his return home in April 2021 saw Derek reach out, and embrace young son Billy as they hugged.
Another teary scene in the documentary saw the family celebrating his first birthday at home since his hospital stay.
Derek was able to read out the message his daughter had written for him in a card, before he broke down in tears.
Darcey's card read: "To the greatest father in the world. Happy Birthday, love you so much, I am so proud of you."
As he reached the end of the message, he burst into tears leading to his daughter comforting him before Billy also hugged his emotional father.
Viewers were in tears over the moment, and praised the love between the father and his children, as well as wife Kate.
One viewer tweeted: "What love and devotion, the reading of the card was it for me. Pure sobs from the soul for them all."
Another said: "Getting emotional already. His reaction at that birthday card. So tough for him and the whole family. Utmost respect for Kate."
A third viewer commented: "Incredibly moved watching #CaringForDerek. The bit where he breaks down reading the Birthday card from his daughter for “the greatest dad” has broken me."
Darcey also spoke of how her relationship with her father had not changed, while her dad was unable to show his love as much as he used to.
She explained: "Obviously the relationship is still the same, but I would say dad is still not able to show it as much as before, but he still does, just in little ways. You can see the love, yeah."
Asked if she was "worried about anyone seeing her dad", she replied: "Not at all. I know some people might be embarrassed by it, but I'm not embarrassed by it, just because he has survived it so it's more impressive than embarrassing."
Kate Garraway: Caring For Derek is available on ITV Hub.
