Kate Garraway pays emotional tribute to husband Derek Draper on ‘tough’ Father’s Day

22 June 2020, 11:21

Kate Garraway pays emotional tribute to husband Derek Draper on ‘tough’ Father’s Day: ‘Love is there - no separation can change that’
Kate Garraway pays emotional tribute to husband Derek Draper on ‘tough’ Father’s Day: ‘Love is there - no separation can change that’. Picture: REX • Kate Garraway

By Rory O'Connor

Kate Garraway has posted a touching tribute to the father's in her life, from her own father Gordon, her husband Derek Draper, and Derek’s father Ken.

The Smooth Radio presenter’s husband Derek was put in an induced coma at the start of April after contracting coronavirus at the end of March.

While Kate confirmed that Derek is now free from coronavirus, Covid-19 has caused him several other health issues and has left him stuck in a coma.

Kate took to social media to thank her “Dad Trinity” in an emotional post to the father of her two children, Darcey and Billy.

Posting to her 857,000 Instagram followers, Kate wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Daddy’s out there.

Read more: Kate Garraway gives new update on husband Derek Draper's health: ‘He has damage everywhere’

“A tough day for us but am filled with so much love and gratitude to still have for my Dad “Trinity” - thats my Dad Gordon, Derek’s dad Ken and of course Derek himself (officially the Best Dad in the World according to Darcey and Billy).

“All three of them never happier than when they are with their children. I’m so grateful to have you still in our lives - and know so many today don’t have that.

“But the love is there - no separation can change that . Thank you so much for all your kind messages of support after my interviews with GMB and The Sun a couple of weeks ago. Am sorry have not posted recently. I just needed a little time.

Read more: Kate Garraway gives emotional TV update on husband Derek Draper: ‘I'm just so grateful he's still here’

“They were incredibly emotional experiences and to be honest left me with a range of feelings - gratitude to @itv and @janemoore for giving me the chance to let all who so touchingly care for Derek know what he is up against but also rather overwhelmed by the long road that lies ahead.

“Whatever happens next I’m afraid it IS going to be a long road, with an uncertain end that isn’t even nearly in sight right now. BUT. This week I am refocusing on hope that as a family we are going to pull together with the support of friends and get through everything come what may.

“Hope - because I know that the amazing people keeping Derek alive, stand shoulder to shoulder with me in NEVER giving up on him and, of course, hope that my wonderful Derek is going to keep fighting this and eventually start to slowly recover.

“After all we are all having to do that aren’t we in one way or another - this ghastly time has affected us all and life deals us blows that we just have to bounce back from and celebrate the good.

“This Father’s Day I am sending you all the love and positivity in the world - let’s seek out the joy! #staypositive #hope #fathersday.”

Everyone at Smooth is thinking of Derek, Kate, Darcey and Billy, and continue to wish for Derek's recovery.