Kate Garraway flooded with support as she shares 'first' since husband Derek Draper's death

Kate Garraway has been flooded with supportive messages after she opened up about experiencing a 'first' since the death of her husband. The Good Morning Britain star announced on January 5 that her husband and father of her two children - Darcey and Billy - had sadly passed away, almost four years after the former Labour lobbyist-turned-psychotherapist became ill with Covid.

He was taken to the hospital at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 where he was put in an induced coma and spent more than a year in hospital before returning home to his wife and their children in April 2021, needing around-the-clock care.

The 56-year-old then fell seriously ill before Christmas after suffering a cardiac arrest. He died on January 3 aged 56 with Kate explaining in her statement that "the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications."

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Kate has since returned to work after laying her husband to rest in an emotional service, attended by the likes of Sir Elton John and her ITV colleagues, held at the church in which they married.

Earlier this week, Kate paid tribute to her colleagues and friends who "helped me survive" during the tough times she faced in the aftermath of Dererk's battle with long Covid and his ultimate death.

It came as the broadcaster, 56, was recognised for her contribution to broadcasting in television and radio at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on Sunday night, and during her speech 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.

"The energy and the fun that's there is just fantastic but also when things take a dark turn, suddenly you see this amazing side of people that not just help you go on air every day and look half decent doing your show but come round and literally keep you going and help you survive."

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."

And now, Kate has recognised her award win in a moving post on Instagram. Alongside picture from the night, the former Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity contestant said: "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.

"I was so pleased to have an invite to attend but then to actually WIN an award was an incredible honour - a silver heart for Outstanding Contribution to TV & Radio - I guess if you cling on long enough you eventually make a contribution!!!!!! And then to be presented it by @benshephardofficial - so special. Congrats to all the winners."

And 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."

@ladysylvia1 wrote: "Huge congratulations Kate. So very well deserved."@soozers_1 replied: "Well done @kategarraway you’re such an inspiration to us all." @maryhsmith69 shared: "Absolutely fantastic @kategarraway and so truly well deserved. Really pleased for you, recognition for everything you’ve done and your continued hard work and dedication. Hope you’re doing as ok as you can." @pammy_j_c added: "Congratulations Kate and so very well deserved. You should be very proud of yourself."