Kate Garraway has broken her silence on being nominated for a National Television Award.
Posting to Twitter, she shared a video explaining why she had remained silent for so long after being nominated for an award for her work on the documentary Caring For Derek. It showcased her family's journey as her husband, Derek Draper, faced recovery after contracting coronavirus, and she was forced to become his carer.
He was diagnosed with the pandemic virus back in 2020 and has never fully recovered. The former lobbyist has been in and out of hospital as he now suffers with his mobility, speech and energy levels requiring 24-hour care.
READ MORE: Kate Garraway admits husband Derek 'remains very damaged'
Kate explained that she had felt "bad" for "asking for more" from the public. She said: "So I haven't chatted to you all for a while and I haven't talked at all about the fantastic nomination which I am so grateful for, for Caring for Derek the documentary for a National Television Award.
"I am so grateful to everyone who's voted to get it this far and chuffed to bits. But the reason I haven't spoken to you about it is because I felt sort of conflicted because I feel as though I have had a lot of support from friends and family and from all of you.
"And I just felt bad in a way for asking for more. But then several carers charities have been in touch with me and said 'no you must'."
She added: "Because the reason we made the documentary was to highlight the position of carers, professional carers and carers who are doing it for love because, like me, they suddenly find a member of their family needs care, and the tough challenges that that involves. As much as you don't begrudge doing it, it's very very hard."
She ended the video as she touched a little on the overwhelming emotions that she has felt throughout her journey of becoming her partner's carer. Kate said: "Today is mental health awareness day and in the documentary you saw me frustrated, depressed, emotional and I have been all of those and more."
In a second video, Kate added: "That's the thing about caring, you want it to carry on because you want the person to be surviving and still with you so that you can still care for them but there isn't an end point and it doesn't get any easier."
She went on to touch on the economic pressures on carers too, especially during the recent cost of living crisis. She said that many carers have suicidal thoughts and can't sleep due to worrying about money.
The Good Morning Britain presenter said: "Not for me, but for all those millions affected by caring... that's the reason why I'd like you to go back to the documentary."
She said that all carers would be grateful for an NTA vote for Caring For Derek. Kate ended the clip as she thanked all of her fans and followers for their support.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Thomas Cook passenger 'had one pint of lager' before causing flight chaos
Lidl, Tesco and Asda warnings as customers urged not to eat chocolate and rice
Bank holiday for Christmas Day moved from December 25
Sainsbury's and Tesco customers could be fined when 'just nipping in' to shop
