Condolences and messages of support have been expressed for Derek Draper, the former political lobbyist and current psychotherapist who was also the spouse of TV host Kate Garraway. He passed away at 56 years old.
Unfortunately, Draper had been suffering from severe symptoms of Covid-19 since being infected in 2020. Garraway shared the news of his death on Instagram, stating “I am heartbroken to inform you all that my beloved husband Derek has passed away.”
She stated, “As some of you may be aware, he became very ill after suffering a heart attack in early December. Due to the previous damage caused by Covid in March 2020, there were additional complications. Derek’s family was with him in his last days and I was there by his side, holding his hand during his final hours until he passed.”
Garraway expressed that she will share more information at a later time, but gave thanks to the medical staff who worked tirelessly to save him and provide him with a peaceful and dignified passing.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and love to those who have been so kind and supportive towards my family. Derek, my dear, may you rest in peace. I feel incredibly grateful to have had you in my life.”
According to PA Media, Garraway will be temporarily stepping away from her duties as a television and radio host, but intends to resume her work in the future.
Draper, a well-known member of New Labour during the 1990s, co-founded Progress with Liam Byrne, who later became an MP. Following his involvement in the Lobbygate scandal, also known as the “cash for access” scandal, he relocated to the United States and pursued a new career as a psychotherapist.
The ex-prime minister Sir Tony Blair paid tribute to his former political advisor from the Labour party. Blair praised him as a strong and occasionally ruthless strategist, an exceptional counselor, and someone you always wanted on your team. However, beneath his tough exterior, he was a caring, gentle, generous, and amiable person who made a great friend.
He played a crucial role in the New Labour narrative, positioned at the heart of it from the very start. However, what truly matters is that he was a reliable coworker and a wonderful friend. We will deeply feel his absence.
Another former Labour prime minister, Gordon Brown, wrote on social media: “I will remember him as brilliant, creative and multitalented, and our thoughts are with Kate, Darcey and Billy [the couple’s children].”
Alastair Campbell, a prominent figure in the New Labour movement, referred to Draper as a “significant personality”. In a tweet, he expressed his sadness upon hearing about Derek Draper’s passing and described him as someone who was generous and selfless. He also mentioned that Draper’s potential was cut short by the effects of Covid-19. He extended his condolences to Kate Garraway and their children, acknowledging the deep and unwavering love and support they provided until the very end. Rest in peace.
In March 2020, Draper became severely ill with Covid-19 and remained hospitalized for 13 months until he was released. Garraway has previously stated that her spouse was among the most critically ill Covid-19 patients that doctors had encountered.
During a June 2020 interview, following Draper’s contraction of the virus, Garraway stated on ITV’s Good Morning Britain that her doctors had never encountered a case like this before. According to them, Draper was the most severely affected patient they had treated and one of only five similar cases in the world.
As of June 2020, Garraway stated that Draper was no longer experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. However, the virus had caused severe harm to his body and it is uncertain if he will be able to fully recuperate.
In 2020, while in the hospital, Draper required a ventilator and was in an induced coma for multiple weeks. More than a year later, after contracting Covid, he was able to be discharged from the hospital and go back to his residence in north London where he received constant care.
In August 2022, he was hospitalized for sepsis but recovered. However, in early December 2023, Draper suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized once again.
In the year 2021, Garraway, a host of the morning show Good Morning Britain, received a National Television award for her documentary Finding Derek, which focused on her family’s journey through the pandemic.
Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow secretary of business, posted on X: “It is truly unfortunate to hear this news this morning. During my time as a student at Manchester, Derek was still a topic of conversation at the University of Manchester. I always found him to be considerate and kind when I met him, which was quite different from his public persona at the time. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.”
Long-term effects of Covid-19 are still not fully comprehended. Researchers are continuing to study the condition and the NHS has established resources to assist those most impacted.
However, based on information published by the Office for National Statistics in February of last year, the most recent data available indicates that approximately 60% of individuals with long Covid in the UK experienced symptoms for a year or longer.
According to the data, approximately 2 million individuals in the United Kingdom who reside in private households are reporting long-term effects of Covid-19. These symptoms may include severe tiredness, difficulty breathing, loss of smell, muscle soreness, memory and concentration issues, chest discomfort, trouble sleeping, and heart and lung complications. Other frequently reported symptoms include joint pain, depression, anxiety, diarrhea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
In 2005, Garraway and Draper tied the knot and now have two kids.
Source: theguardian.com
