Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has become a source of inspiration for many after she bravely shared her story as a caregiver to her late husband.
The 54-year-old transitioned into a caregiver role for her husband, Derek Draper, after he developed COVID-19.
Kate has recently been inundated with messages after releasing a poignant update about her documentary – Derek’s Story.
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Kate Garraway husband
Political lobbyist Derek lost his life at the age of 56 in January after fighting the long-term effects of COVID-19.
His battle and the care provided by Kate were chronicled in the final installment of a series of documentaries. These also included Finding Derek (2021) and Caring for Derek (2022).
Sharing a touching clip from the documentary on Instagram, Kate also revealed the overwhelming outpour of messages she received from people highlighting the need for caregivers.
I have been inundated with the most incredible and heartbreaking messages from thousands of vulnerable people in need.
“The one thing Derek has taught me is never give up fighting for what is right,” she said in the video.
Highlighting the universal need for care, she continued: “…it’s about having a society where caring isn’t a luxury.”
As Kate sifted through cards and messages expressing gratitude towards her becoming a voice for caregivers, she couldn’t hold back tears.
“We are all going to need it. And it’s not about somebody coming round to cut up your food because you’re feeling a bit weak. It’s about giving you a chance of living,” she articulated.
“The skill of a carer to spot when things are changing has saved Derek’s life so many times over the last four years and yes, it was finally taken, but my god those four years had value.”
Derek’s Story
The documentary Derek’s Story has been nominated for a National Television Award. Kate also mentioned the nomination in her caption – urging people to vote.
“I have been inundated with the most incredible and heartbreaking messages from thousands of vulnerable people in need and also carers, professional and those unpaid – urging me to keep going,” Kate began.
“For those in need, and of course one day that will be all of us , it means so much. I hope you all have a #safe and #peaceful#sunday. And in advance thank you it means so much.”
The public’s response to Kate’s message was overwhelming. Many also expressed their appreciation for her efforts to shed light on caregivers and their impact.
“You are an inspiration to us unpaid carers you are working so hard to try and make it fair for us.” One fan wrote. “Documentaries about carers are so needed as no one understands how hard it is until you are in the situation.”
Another fan gushed: “Powerful this Kate. We are dealing with it and it’s shocking how carers paid and unpaid are taken for granted. Please keep speaking up for us all.”
Kate on GMB
It comes after Kate admitted on GMB that she hasn’t spoken about the NTA nomination because she often receives backlash for doing the documentaries.
She said: “I haven’t posted I’ve been nominated yet because I got so much backlash from doing it, for people saying ‘stop going on about it’. But actually, I realise I’m letting people down, so I am going to go for it now.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read more: Kate Garraway apologises to GMB guest following ‘bad question’ over Grenfell fire tragedy
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