Derek Draper: Kate Garraway announces the passing of her husband at the age of 56
Derek Draper, the author and former political adviser, has passed away at the age of 56, as confirmed by his wife, Kate Garraway.
Draper had been grappling with severe complications from Covid since contracting the virus in March 2020.
Television presenter Garraway confirmed his passing in a statement shared on Instagram.
“It’s with sadness that I inform you of my beloved husband Derek’s passing,” she expressed.
“Some of you may be aware that he had been critically unwell since a cardiac arrest in early December, which, compounded by the damage caused by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek spent his final days surrounded by family, with me holding his hand through those enduring hours until the end.”
She added, “There’s much more I want to share, and I will in due time. For now, my heartfelt thanks to all the medical teams who fought tirelessly for him, ensuring his last moments were as peaceful and dignified as possible.
“Deep gratitude and love to everyone who has generously supported our family. Rest gently and peacefully now, Derek, my love. I was fortunate to have you in my life.”
Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair led the tributes, honouring Draper as a “valued colleague and dear friend”.
Draper fell ill with Covid in April 2020 and was placed in a coma, only emerging from it in October of the same year.
Despite recovering from the virus by early June, his body suffered significant damage.
Spending over a year in the hospital without regaining his speech, Draper returned home on a trial basis in April 2021. He continued to receive constant care and treatment.
In July 2022, Garraway confirmed Draper’s readmission to the hospital. Later that month, reports indicated his condition had worsened. He was admitted again in December for further treatment.
The family’s adjustment to his rare condition was documented in the ITV film “Finding Derek,” which received a National Television Award.
His fight against the virus garnered widespread attention and support, with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the royal family among those showing their support.
Garraway has decided to take an indefinite break from work, cancelling all her TV and radio commitments.
Draper and Garraway tied the knot in 2005 and have two children together.
Derek Draper, originally from Chorley in Lancashire, had a significant tenure as a Labour Party lobbyist spanning almost a decade. However, his political career took a sharp turn in 1998 amidst the “Lobbygate” scandal, where he was recorded boasting about selling access to government ministers. This incident led to his departure from the political arena.
Transitioning from politics, Draper underwent a professional shift, retraining as a psychotherapist. He contributed regularly to magazines and newspapers, delving into various psychotherapy issues. Notably, he authored two books, namely “Blair’s 100 Days” and “Life Support.”
In 2009, he founded LabourList, a news website that maintained a supportive stance towards the Labour Party while remaining independent.
Following his passing, tributes poured in, notably from former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Blair acknowledged Draper’s resilience in battling Covid-19, praising his tenacity and emphasising his multifaceted nature—describing him as both a shrewd political figure and a compassionate, affable individual. Brown, too, expressed his sorrow, remembering Draper for his brilliance and versatility, offering condolences to Draper’s family.
Throughout his illness, Draper accompanied his wife during her investiture as an MBE for her significant contributions to broadcasting, journalism, and charity. Additionally, he attended Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert at London’s O2 Arena earlier in the year, invited alongside his wife as guests of honour, reflecting his enduring spirit despite health challenges.
After the tragic news of Draper’s passing, heartfelt condolences poured in from notable figures. Sir Elton John expressed his sorrow, conveying love and thoughts to Kate and her family.
Lorraine Kelly, the ITV presenter, lamented Kate’s valiant fight and expressed profound sadness, sending her love.
Susanna Reid, the host of Good Morning Britain, empathetically conveyed that their entire team stands with Kate and her loved ones during this difficult time.
Alastair Campbell, a key figure in New Labour during the 1990s, remembered Derek as a significant personality and a giver. He mourned the loss, emphasizing Derek’s unfulfilled potential before Covid took its toll. His thoughts were particularly with Kate Garraway and the children, acknowledging their unwavering support until the end.
Zoe Ball, the BBC Radio 2 breakfast host, expressed deep sorrow and sent an abundance of love to Kate and her family, hoping Derek’s light would forever shine bright for them.
Comedian Alan Carr joined in sharing his sympathies, extending love and heartfelt condolences to Kate during this difficult period.
During Friday’s episode of ITV’s This Morning, host Alison Hammond conveyed solidarity, ensuring Kate and her children felt the love and support from the entire programme.
