Kate Garraway feels like 'luckiest person' as she reveals unusual birthday gift

Kate Garraway said she felt like the 'luckiest person' after celebrating her first birthday since the death of her husband Derek Draper. The Good Morning Britain star lost her husband in January this year, almost four years after the former Labour lobbyist-turned-psychotherapist caught Covid-19.

Derek fell ill in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic and spent more than a year in hospital before returning home to his wife and their two children in April the following year, where he needed around-the-clock care. The 56-year-old died on January 3, with Kate explaining in a statement that "the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications".

Earlier this month, Kate celebrated her 57th birthday, surrounded by her loved ones. The ITV star admitted in a candid post on social media that she "woke up feeling so sad" at the the thought of her first special day without her husband, but decided to "celebrate life as he did so well" with the help of her friends and family.

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On Friday night, two weeks after her celebrations, Kate took to Instagram to share some special 'belated' thank you messages to her family, friends and colleagues for helping her get past the 'sad' milestone. Kate told her 1.3 million followers she was "having a gratitude surge".

She started by thanking her colleagues at Smooth Radio, noting that she was also celebrating her ten year anniversary on the radio show. "Cannot believe it - a decade has flown by - thanks to the best team in the business and you lovely listeners," she wrote.

She then thanked her GMB colleague Susanna Reid for sending her some "gorgeous" chocolate and flowers, posting a photo of a note that read: "Happy birthday wonderful friend!! Loads of love to you all for a magic day - Susanna Xxx". Kate said she had also received a "basket of goodies" from the rest of her colleagues at the ITV early morning show.

After rounding up the other gifts she has received, the TV star said she felt "like the luckiest person in the world to have so many good people around me".

Finally, Kate revealed the unusual gift she received from her parents, which she admitted would be "not everyone’s first choice" for a present. The star posted a photo of herself posing alongside a brand new wheelbarrow as she smiled for the camera.

Explaining why she "couldn't be happier" with the gift, in a special thank you message to her mum and dad, Kate said: "You know my garden is my happy place but have been feeling overwhelmed recently as it’s got so out of control as have just been racing around trying to keep head above water.

"So they surprised me with this wheelbarrow saying that even though our garden isn’t big 'it helps when lugging and carrying'. Not everyone’s first choice for a prezzie but I couldn’t be happier!"

She added: "Love you so much mum and dad - you always know the best way to get me out there and going forward. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty this weekend and get going!"

It comes after Kate was flooded with supportive messages from her fans after she opened up about experiencing her first red carpet event since Derek's death. In April, the presenter was recognised for her contribution to broadcasting in television and radio at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards.

During her speech, she expressed her gratitude to her co-stars, including Ben Shephard, for being by her side for the past two decades. Recalling the moment Derek first fell ill in 2020, Kate said: "My life took a turn that meant suddenly I was a story that people wanted to talk about and particularly I wanted to tell Derek's story of what he went through and that touched a chord with lots of people. That's amazing and now I feel a huge responsibility to them."

She continued: "It's GMB's 10-year anniversary tonight and actually it's my ten years of being at Global, so it's a very special night for me. When you go through something tough, which I'm sure everyone in this room has a story… you then find out where the goodness is... Every time I walk through the door on Global, I'm always aware that I'm doing something that is on most people's bucket list."

Giving a shout-out to her friend and former co-star, This Morning host Ben, Kate added: "Special mention, obviously, goes to Ben Shephard for that and for being the most extraordinary person to be by your side for 24 years."

Reflecting on her win on social media, alongside a picture from the night, the former Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity contestant wrote: "Well this was a moment. My first red carpet event, following Derek’s passing - and WHAT an event. I’ve been aware of the incredible work @variety does over its 75 years to help disabled & disadvantaged children & heard that it’s awards do’s are always the glitziest."

Her fans and followers were quick to share their congratulations and messages of support. @evelynmcdermottmillinery said: "Huge congrats Kate you are very deserving of this award and people see that! Well done you." @alternative__barbie commented: "Absolutely deserved. Congratulations. Derek would be proud."