Kate Garraway faced significant financial pressure while supporting her husband Derek through his tragic ordeal
Kate Garraway of Good Morning Britain faced multiple financial challenges while caring for her late husband, Derek Draper, who has tragically passed away. These challenges notably included a substantial tax bill.
Kate Garraway and her family faced immense upheaval when her husband Derek Draper contracted Covid in March 2021. Derek’s prolonged struggle with the illness became widely known, showcasing the Good Morning Britain presenter’s courage and steadfast devotion to her husband until his tragic passing on Friday, 5 January.
In a distressing turn of events last December, Kate had to halt all forthcoming TV and radio commitments when Derek suffered a sudden heart attack. Prior to this, she had already been grappling with financial challenges, notably a reported £125,000 tax bill due to the closure of Derek’s psychotherapy business.
By March last year, it came to light that a liquidator had been appointed to dismantle Astra Aspera Ltd’s assets as the company owed a total of £184,000, which included the substantial £125,000 tax debt.
Astra Aspera was mainly run by Derek as the director until last February when Kate took over in an attempt to keep the company afloat,” a source revealed to The Mail on Sunday.
“While Derek battled severe illness, Kate diligently strove to sustain the company. Unfortunately, Derek’s inability to work coupled with a complete halt in revenue, which isn’t expected to resume soon, led to insurmountable challenges.
“Despite Kate juggling other responsibilities at GMB and Smooth Radio, the soaring expenses made it unfeasible to sustain the company, forcing its closure.
Kate had opened up about the financial challenges brought on by Derek’s illness, describing the “adjustments” she had made to their family home to facilitate his care. Speaking to The Sun, she shared, “Managing financially has definitely been a struggle. As anyone caring for a seriously ill loved one can attest, the expenses skyrocket in various ways.
“You find yourself having to modify your home, and it impacts your ability to hold down a job. I had to take extended leaves when Derek first fell ill, and, naturally, it has a knock-on effect on the overall family income since he’s no longer able to work.”
Kate had previously spoken about relying on her friends for financial support. In 2021, she expressed, “In television, everyone earns well compared to the nurses caring for Derek. But that income abruptly stopped last March.”
Speaking to The Times, the GMB star voiced concern about seeming like she was seeking pity. She clarified her inability to access Derek’s bank accounts, joint savings, or refinance the mortgage without his consent.
Kate disclosed that her legal situation had become significantly more complex, requiring a deputy power of attorney to manage their affairs.
Amidst her struggles, caring friends, like The Voice host Emma Willis, showed support. Emma sent a Christmas food hamper to Kate and her children, Darcey (17) and Billy (14).
Reflecting on the gesture, Kate shared, “They sent us a hamper of Christmas treats. It was an unusual situation—no bread but plenty of canapés. The kids asked for breakfast, and we’d say, ‘Canapés.’ ‘Can’t we have cereal?’ ‘No, we’re out. But you can have truffles!'”
Kate took to Instagram, where she has 1.1 million followers, to share the heartbreaking news of Derek’s passing.
She honoured her husband, expressing gratitude for the privilege of sharing her life with him. She disclosed that she was by his side during his last moments, holding his hand.
In a comprehensive message, she penned, “It’s with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of my beloved husband Derek. As some of you might be aware, he had been in critical condition since suffering a cardiac arrest in early December. This incident, compounded by the effects of Covid in March 2020, resulted in additional complications.”
“Derek spent his final days surrounded by his family, and I stood by his side, holding his hand through those last long hours until he peacefully passed away.
“There are many words I wish to share, and I will do so in due time. But for now, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the medical teams who tirelessly battled to save him and ensure his final moments were filled with comfort and dignity.
“To all those who have generously supported our family, I extend my deepest thanks and love. Rest gently and peacefully now, Derek, my love. I feel immensely fortunate to have had you in my life.”
