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Kate Garraway says husband Derek Draper remains 'very damaged' after COVID battle

Kate Garraway has been caring for husband Derek Draper at their home. (ITV)
Kate Garraway has been caring for husband Derek Draper at their home. (ITV)

Kate Garraway has said her husband Derek Draper remains "very damaged" following his long battle with COVID.

The Good Morning Britain presenter’s husband was placed in a medically induced coma and spent more than a year in hospital after falling ill with the coronavirus early in 2020.

He returned home to Garraway and their two children — son Billy, 13, and daughter Darcey, 16 — in April 2021 and now needs round the clock care.

Read more: Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway broke toe hurrying through intensive care

Then this summer Draper returned to hospital after falling ill with sepsis, with Garraway taking time off GMB to be with him.

Kate Garraway attending The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards at the Roundhouse in London. Picture date: Tuesday September 14, 2021.
The star has shared an update on how her husband is doing. (PA)

The TV star has now shared an update as she appeared on the television show DNA Journey.

Garraway, who was on the programme alongside This Morning's Alison Hammond, said that 2020 had been 'a devastating year'.

"With Derek, he got very sick very early on in the pandemic and has remained very damaged," she explained.

"That is quite well documented because for a lot of people, he has come to symbolise the fight that goes on."

DNA Journey features Alison Hammond and Kate Garraway. (ITV)
DNA Journey features Alison Hammond and Kate Garraway. (ITV)

Garraway and Draper tied the knot in 2005.

Earlier this year the presenter told how the pair were relearning how to be a couple again after his illness.

The 55-year-old told Good Housekeeping magazine: “When you nearly lose someone, it certainly brings everything into sharp focus.

Kate Garraway and Derek Draper were married in 2005. (Jon Furniss/WireImage)
Kate Garraway and Derek Draper were married in 2005. (Jon Furniss/WireImage)

"In many ways, we’re still learning how we are as man and wife, as so much has changed.

Read more: Kate Garraway found 'a new way to be in love' with husband amid recovery

"It’s the same for the children – they’re having to relearn the experience of being with their dad. And, of course, the biggest learning is for poor Derek.”

Watch: Kate Garraway shares story of trying not to wake Queen Elizabeth up