Derek Draper, a former political lobbyist, died at the age of 56 after a prolonged COVID-19 illness after completing training in psychotherapy.
His wife, TV anchor Kate Garraway, shared a statement on Instagram on Friday informing everyone of her husband’s leaving.
He suffered a heart attack at the beginning of December, as some of you may be aware. The COVID-19 damage created significant problems in March 2020.
“I was by Derek’s side, holding his hand during the last few trying hours before he passed away, and I was in his final days with his family.”
Garraway promised to provide more details later and thanked the medical team, “who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.”
She added, “Sending so much love and gratitude to everyone who has so kindly supported our family so much.” Derek, my dear G, may your final hours be peaceful and loving. I am so glad for you in my life.
Famous New Labour politician Draper co-founded the Progress movement with Liam Byrne, who eventually became an MP, in the 1990s.
He moved to the US to complete his studies in psychotherapy after the “cash for access” Lobbygate scandal.
Alastair Campbell, another prominent New Labour figure, described Draper as “a huge character.”
“Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper,” he tweeted while wearing a G. He was a giver rather than a taker up until COVID took its toll, and he had so much more to give. He was an amazing individual in every aspect.
I sincerely apologise to [Kate Garraway] and the kids. Their fervour and unwavering assistance persisted to the very end. RIP.
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Draper felt ill after getting COVID-19 in March 2020. Before being discharged, he spent thirteen months in the hospital. His organs were irreparably injured, so even after the illness had passed, he needed daily care.
In 2021, Garraway, the host of Good Morning Britain, won a National Television Prize for her work on the pandemic documentary Finding Derek, which examined the hardships of her family.
Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds wrote on X, saying, “I’m very sad to hear this news this morning. When I was a University of Manchester student, Derek was still growing up.
“Despite his public image, I always thought he was kind when we met. God bless him and his family.
According to Garraway (g), Draper was readmitted to the hospital in July 2022. It was discovered that Draper’s illness had gotten worse over that month.
Everyone showed interest in and support for him during his illness, including members of the royal family and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He was there when Garraway was being discharged from the hospital and when she was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s honours for her work in journalism, radio, and charity.
He and Garraway were invited to London’s O2 Arena for Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road event in April.
The two children of Garraway and Draper, Darcey and Billy, got married in 2005.
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