Kate Garraway says there are days her husband Derek Draper 'can't do anything' as she shares a heartbreaking update on her his struggles — nearly three years after he was struck down by Covid.
TV presenter and radio host Kate, 55, has been with her husband of 13 years every step of the way as he has fought to survive — becoming the longest-suffering coronavirus patient in the UK.
Derek, the former political advisor, spent 13 months in hospital before returning to the family home with Kate and their two children - Darcey, 16 and Billy, 13 and needing round the clock care.
Opening up about his condition, nearly three years since he was rushed to hospital and put in a induced coma, she told The Sun : "There are some days where he literally cannot do anything and it’s like the computer is switched off. He cannot move, and he’s in so much pain as we are manipulating him, trying to get him more mobile so that he doesn’t regress."
The presenter has well-documented their journey — in a award winning documentary and her own book — sharing how they have adapted their lives since Derek contracted Covid in March 2020.
A huge milestone for his recovery was his leaving hospital and being well enough to be cared for at the heart of their family home.
But Garraway, who has been widely praised for her resilience, added: "'It also makes me fall in love with him all over again because of that spirit, that determination to keep going. Derek is trapped, but he fights on. We cling on to the good days.'
The family were once again forced endure the agonising low of Derek's 'rollercoaster' condition when he developed sepsis last summer and nearly died.
And after watching her husband fight back from the brink — not for the first time, The Life Stories host, said as hard as it is for them to watch as his 'spirit fluctuates', she 'cannot imagine' how tough it is for Derek.
But beyond the emotional strain Long Covid has placed on Derek and his family, there is the financial burden of supporting his ongoing medical care.
Bafta-nominated Kate has spent tens of thousands of pounds adapting the family’s London home to cater for Derek's needs.
She is also keen dispel any assumptions that she has 'jumped the queue' and admits they have been on NHS referrals 'like everyone else' as that's the way it should be'.
But she has been fortunate to fund their own trip to North America for treatment and praises British Airways and American Airlines for help make the trip possible.
And Kate has nothing but praise for everyone who helps Derek's recovery as she shared a poignant post praising one of his first carers who appeared in the documentary — acknowledging his other gift for music.
Kate wrote on Instagram: "Many of you will remember Jake who cared for Derek when he first came out of hospital in April 21 - from the documentary #caringforderek, so you will know what a wonderful healthcare professional he is.
"But have just found out he’s also an amazing musician - under the name @sencymiller.x - He’s just released a song called #okukuseku (check it out in his bio) - which no surprise is full of love & inspiration to keep going & never give up."
