The Good Morning Britain presenter is said to still be struggling with the loss of her husband Derek Draper who died earlier this year, with her co-star noting she is in “constant pain”.
The former political lobbyist battled with Covid for almost four years and suffered from extreme complications, needing round-the-clock care when he finally returned home.
Garraway revamped her home to accommodate Draper’s needs and kept viewers updated on her husband’s progress, however, she revealed the sad news of his death on January 3, 2024.
The ITV presenter took some time off work to grieve the death of her husband – who she married in 2005 – but is said to be in “constant pain” – according to GMB star Charlotte Hawkins.
“When Kate lost her husband, Derek, in January, everyone pulled together to support her. She’s been through an extraordinarily tough time,” she told Best Magazine.
“When you lose someone that you love very much, it’s constant pain. You wonder what the way forward will be it’s not a question of getting over it, but learning to live with it.”
She went on to praise Garraway’s courage as she continues to navigate motherhood amidst her grief, and added: “It’s going to take time for Kate to heal, but she knows we’re all here for her.”
Garraway recently hit a poignant moment this month when she received only one polling card in the mail addressed to her late husband Derek, while neither she nor her newly adult daughter Darcey received theirs.
She explained: “I’m in a situation, I was very excited about it, I thought my daughter and I, who has turned 18 recently, could go and vote for the first time. She’s now saying she doesn’t think she did properly register.
“Polling cards have come through the door, I haven’t had one for myself or her. The only polling card that’s come through the door is for Derek, sadly, who’s passed away.”
Charlotte spoke highly of her friend during the tough time
X/GETTY
The family recently faced another challenge as they celebrated their first Father’s Day without Draper.
Garraway posted a sweet montage on her Instagram account and captioned the post: “So yesterday was one of those days the kids & I knew would be tough. #fathersday.The day when everyone wants to celebrate their daddy.
“We started by visiting Derek’s grave early – and talked about all the amazing things we loved about him, the daft things he did to make us laugh and all the #things he has given us that we’ll never forget.
“We have so much to be grateful for. We’re also so grateful to still have my amazing dad in our lives and Derek’s dad too. >>> Brilliant Papa & Grandad.”
Derek died from long Covid back in January, 3 2024
ITV
Garraway continued the post: “Then thanks to my fab @global family we went to the #capitalsummertimeball – an amazing day of music & summer joy.
“It was sad coming home & not [finding] Derek waiting to hear “all about it” as he used to say.
“But so wonderful that we had him at all. I know for so many yesterday would have been a tough day so here’s to getting through and let’s celebrate all the wonderful fathers & father figures & what they gift us every day. #love #gratitude #letscelebratelife.”