Yahoo News Kate Garraway responds to criticism of Derek Draper documentary
Kate Garraway has responded to criticism over her decision to make another documentary about her late husband Derek Draper.
Kate Garraway: Derek's Story — the presenter's third programme about her husband's battle with COVID-19 complications — aired earlier this week on ITV and had left viewers feeling emotional after seeing the former political lobbyist's final months.
However, some people were unimpressed by the news of the show and criticised Garraway for making multiple programmes about her husband's health battle.
Responding to the backlash during today's (March 27) episode of Good Morning Britain, Garraway acknowledged that some people might be "bored" of hearing about Draper's story but insisted that she wanted to use her platform to raise awareness about long Covid.
Related: Kate Garraway makes heartbreaking confession about final Derek Draper documentary
"I think people are a bit bored of me banging on about the same thing," she told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, before adding: "I understand that, really. I don't think I would have made a third one if it hadn't been that Derek wanted to."
Garraway then explained she had received support from other people in a similar situation to her and Draper's as well as encouragement to use her platform to talk about it.
"Those other people can't [speak out], they don't have a place to talk about it and they're saying to me 'please don't give up'," she revealed.
"I sort of have to [tell Derek's story]," the presenter continued. "And I'm sorry about that and if people do watch it, maybe they will see it's coming from a different place."
Draper contracted COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic back in March 2020, ending up being hospitalised for over 13 months as he battled numerous severe complications from the illness.
Following his release from hospital, Draper needed round-the-clock care from a team of health professionals before he passed away in February this year.
Garraway has since opened up about the lack of funding she received for her husband's care, revealing she now faces debts of up to £800,000.
Related: Kate Garraway leads ITV tribute special for late husband, Derek Draper
"Derek's needs were clearly so great, yet he didn't warrant funded care – so you think, 'If he isn't getting it, then who is?'" she told The Times of her debt, which is thought to be around £500,000 to £800,000 in total.
"It's supposed to be a system that's meant to catch you if you fall," she added. "But actually, it feels like it's trying to catch you out."
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story is available on ITVX.
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