Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard are “so proud” of friend and co-presenter Kate Garraway after her new documentary, Caring For Derek, aired last night.
Kate and children, Darcey and Billy, are shown looking after the 54-year-old, who needs round-the-clock care after being struck down with Covid in 2020.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Susanna called Kate “extraordinary” after what the family have been through the past two years.
She said: “We are so proud of you Kate, and of course Darcey and Billy and Derek as well, because Derek is the one going through it isn’t he.
“My goodness, the care that family and Derek’s family give him is absolutely extraordinary.
“We love you all. Sending you lots of love this morning.”
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GMB co-star Ben also showed his support for Kate on Twitter and said he is “lucky to call her a friend”.
In a post to his 793,000 followers, he wrote: “I don’t have the words to describe how proud + inspired I am by my wonderful friend @kategarraway.
“It’s such a tough personal story but one she’s sharing for those that don’t have the voice. I am so lucky to call her a friend, even if I have to endlessly tidy up after her.”
Viewers were also quick to show their support with many saying the programme had left them in tears, especially when Derek broke down reading a birthday card from his kids.
One wrote: “I’m 10 minutes in to watching @kategarrway Caring For Derek and I’m already sobbing.”
Another said: “Watching Kate Garraway Caring For Derek, only started at 9pm, I'm already in tears, when he arrived home & Billy couldn't stop hugging his Dad. They are such a lovely family, really committed to each other. I wish them all the best of everything."
A third added: “Hi Kate. Firstly I’m going to send you a virtual hug. I’m watchig Caring For Derek. I can’t stop crying. It’s incredibly sad... but the love he showed his little boy when he held his arms out for a hug. You are a very special lady.”
Former political spin doctor Derek was hospitalised with Covid in March 2020 and had to be put in an induced coma by doctors.
He then spent 374 days in hospital before coming home in April 2021, where he is looked after by Kate and other carers.
Kate recently revealed Derek sleeps 16 to 20 hours a day and would die if he was left unaided for 72 hours.
The family recently travelled to Mexico for pioneering medical treatment for Derek, who is desperate to recover from his debilitating condition.
But Kate says because doctors don’t know enough about long Covid yet, they just have to wait and see.
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Speaking on the documentary, Kate, 54, shared the strain that has now become her daily life.
She said: “People are really kind and say I’m an inspiration, but I’m really struggling.
“And I think it’s important for people to know that, because I’m sure they’re struggling in their life too, in whatever way.
“I think one of the worst things is the terrible loneliness... from having him here, but not here. It’s really indescribable.
“I can sort of see him, but he’s absent – and you just feel very much on your own all of the time.”
Kate added: “I still hope we’ll have a happy ending, but ultimately it feels unsustainable.”
• Caring For Derek is available to watch on the ITV Hub
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