Kate Garraway has revealed some of the most emotional moments from her husband Derek Draper's ongoing recovery.
The Good Morning Britain presenter said the dad-of-two "broke down in tears" after using the toilet for the first time on his own since contracting Covid-19.
The author fell victim to the deadly disease in early 2020, and was left critically ill and hospitalised for more than a year.
Almost two years on, Derek, 54, remains bed-ridden and still requires around-the-clock care.
But doting wife Kate has explained how they have begun to celebrate 'tiny' landmark achievements, as he makes progress in his recovery.
Since returning home from the hospital last year, Derek is still unable to talk beyond a faint whisper and hasn't yet been able to utter more than a couple of words at any one time.
But the former political advisor is making big steps forward in his rehabilitation - even now able to go to the toilet for the first time outside of his bed since contracting Covid-19.
"What's heartbreaking is that this is progress, him using the commode without me, that's an achievement," wife Kate has told The Sun.
"He cried afterwards partly because he’s pleased, but also, I think, it’s a case of: 'Christ, is that where we are?'
"But we have to celebrate the tiny things because they are big things - they mean progress."
The broadcaster also revealed has she and Derek travelled to Mexico - after lockdown restrictions were eased - in a bid to get him specialist treatment to aid his ongoing recovery from Covid-19.
As one of the worst affected by the virus, the former lobbyist has suffered the multiple effects of Covid-19, including holes in his lungs, kidney failure and damage to his liver and heart.
Kate explained how they made the 11,000 mile trip after an American doctor in Monterrey got in touch, after watching Derek's battle on TV.
The mum-of-two was hesitant to reveal details about the visit, as she is reluctant to offer what could be "false hope" to those in a similar position.
"But I’m just so desperate to be able to give a happy ending," Kate confessed.
"For Derek mainly, but also for everybody who asks me every day how he’s getting on."
Fans will learn more about Derek's ongoing battle in the couple’s new documentary, Caring For Derek, tonight on ITV.
Last year, Kate won a National Television Award for her original feature, Finding Derek.
"There are a lot of challenges that we're facing now. I am now experiencing being a carer, and the challenges that are there," the presenter admitted after picking up the gong for Best Documentary in September 2021.
"We all know social care has been in the headlines for lots of reasons and for lots of reasons people need support with health and social care," she continued.
"There are definitely more stories to tell. Let's hope that Derek's voice will be giving those stories. We know he's in there. We just have to get him out."
