Kate Garraway has said her husband Derek Draper is back in hospital after saying he is still "damaged" from the effects of Coronavirus. The former political advisor is believed to be the worst-affected living Covid patient in the UK after spending 13 months in hospital between March 2020 and April 2021 after contracting the virus.
The dad-of-two returned to the family's North London home where he now receives round-the-clock care but has been unable to fully communicate, has issues with mobility, and has struggled with major health problems.
Since Derek became ill, Kate has balanced work and family commitments - looking after their two children Darcey, 16, and Billy, 12. And in a video posted to her Instagram page earlier this week, the Good Morning Britain host spoke candidly about how she has been 'depressed' caring for her husband.
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But Kate has now shared a heartbreaking update on Derek after he suffered another devastating setback in his recovery. The mum-of-two, who is set to attend the National Television Awards this evening (Thursday) after being nominated for her second documentary on Derek’s battle, revealed her husband is once again in hospital after contracting life-threatening sepsis.
She told The Sun : "Derek is back in hospital after developing sepsis that again threatened his life and we are again fighting to get him home." Kate was speaking in support of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards next month and shared her praise for those carers who have helped Derek, who she married in 2005.
"But I remain constantly inspired by those around him - not just for their expertise but for their loving care," she added. "On his birthday they wrote in a card, 'We celebrate every day your braveness and strength to keep going through the pain, struggles and setbacks.' And then added, 'But today on your birthday, we want to celebrate you , Derek, the man, not the trauma, but you as a person.'"
Kate, 55, added of her NTA nomination, after picking up an award last year for her first documentary, Finding Derek: "When Caring for Derek was nominated, I was of course very honoured but I had mixed feelings about asking people to vote for the film. I was worried and guilty about asking for more support when so many have already sent their good wishes. But now too many have got in touch saying 'please shout it from the rooftops' for me to ignore You see, I am one of the lucky ones.
"Not only did I pray every night for months when Derek’s life hung in the balance to have the chance to care for him, also I have supportive employers and family and friends to help. Millions care day in day out alone."
It comes after Kate appeared to give an update on her husband during the latest episode of ITV's DNA Journey which saw her discover her family history alongside Alison Hammond. She said: "2020 was a devastating year. With Derek, he got very sick very early on in the pandemic and has remained very damaged. That is quite well documented because for a lot of people, he's come to symbolise the fight that goes on."
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