TV presenter Kate Garraway has spoken out following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, aged 56.

The former political adviser was one of the most enduring COVID patients in the UK. He fought the virus since he contracted it in March 2020, spending more than a year in hospital.

In a heartbreaking post on Instagram, Kate Garraway confirmed the news of her husband’s passing.

“I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away,” Garraway wrote.

“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

“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.”

The grieving wife continued: “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.

“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.”

Draper’s battle with covid left him with serious organ damage and he needed constant medical care.

It was in 2005 when Garraway and Draper got married. They welcomed two children and shared the joys as well as challenges of life.

In September, they celebrated their 18th anniversary and Garraway expressed her gratitude that her husband had survived to experience their milestone.

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