Kate Garraway’s tearful tribute on GMB leaves viewers emotional

Virgin Radio

5 Aug 2024, 14:18

Kate Garraway touches hearts with her moving tribute to late husband Derek Draper on Good Morning Britain.

Kate Garraway, the beloved Good Morning Britain host, left viewers in tears with a poignant and heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Derek Draper.

The emotional segment aired on Monday, during an interview about dementia care that struck a deeply personal chord for Kate, who lost Derek in January due to complications from Covid-19.

The presenter, known for her warmth and resilience, shared the screen with co-host Ed Balls and guests John and Nula.

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The couple, who found love while visiting their respective spouses in a care home, spoke about their unique and touching journey.

Kate, always empathetic, began the conversation by noting the bittersweet nature of their meeting.

"You met in the saddest of circumstances but it brought something positive," she remarked, setting the tone for a deeply moving discussion.

Nula shared how she and John connected over their visits, forming a bond through their shared experiences.

"We were going in and out of a care home with carers to see our loved ones. Bonnie [John's late wife] just happened to come in and out of James' [Nula's late husband] room, and I got to know her," Nula explained.

She added that their friendship grew through small acts of kindness, like taking Bonnie and John for coffee and helping to care for Bonnie.

Kate, reflecting on her own caregiving journey, drew parallels between her experience and Nula’s.

"This is something that I have been through a little bit. Derek did not have dementia but after Covid, he was absolutely the same person.

"I still loved him as much, but there was a change," she revealed, her voice tinged with emotion.

"And with dementia, this doesn't happen overnight. It's something very slow, and the person caring for them has to learn how to love that person they still love in a different way."

Derek, who was 56 at the time of his passing, is survived by his and Kate's two children, Darcey and Billy.

The family's journey has been one of immense love and resilience, and Kate’s candidness on GMB provided a touching glimpse into their reality.

Monday marked Kate's return to GMB after a brief hiatus to care for her ailing father, Gordon, who was hospitalised in July following a suspected stroke and heart attack.

Despite the personal challenges, Kate managed to keep her spirits high and expressed gratitude for the support she received, particularly from Virgin Atlantic during a recent trip.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kate shared a special moment with Wendy from Virgin Atlantic, who provided much-needed support amidst the chaos.

"Thank you so much to the amazing gang – and Wendy – for helping me give my son Bill a fantastic birthday," Kate wrote, expressing her appreciation for their understanding and logistical prowess.

She added: "With all that’s happened with my own Dad, obviously a lot had to be cancelled as I wanted to be with him and mum, and I feared I would have to disappoint Bill – yet again – and not be able to do any of our summer plans."

Kate’s post was accompanied by a photo of her and Wendy, beaming as they enjoyed a cup of tea in the airport lounge.

Her caption continued: "Thanks though to the Virgin team's incredible logistical brains – and a flight plan that looked like a spider’s web!!!

"I have managed to keep plates spinning and grab some joy in between."

The touching tribute to her late husband, combined with her candid account of recent family struggles, highlighted Kate’s unwavering strength and positivity.

As always, Kate Garraway’s authenticity and heartfelt sharing on Good Morning Britain resonated deeply with viewers, offering comfort and connection to those facing similar challenges.

In July, Kate had shared the distressing news about her father’s collapse.

A source revealed to The Sun: "Very sadly, Kate's father collapsed earlier this week while staying, along with her mum and her brother, in Cornwall.

"It was incredibly frightening as he was found unconscious and immediately taken to hospital.

"It seems likely that he's had a stroke and possibly a heart attack as well – doctors are still doing tests."