Kate Garraway’s final documentary chronicling her late husband Derek Draper’s battle with Covid and its devastating aftermath was an emotional viewing experience for viewers. Derek, one of the worst affected cases of Covid in the UK, wanted to make this final documentary to ‘be heard’. The programme showed heart-wrenching scenes of Derek’s health improving before he suffered a cardiac arrest leading to his passing in January. Kate shared her regrets about not spending every moment she could holding his hand and vowed to fight for change in the caring system in the UK.
Viewers were left in tears as Derek spoke for the first time on camera about his Covid battle, and Kate described the moment he passed away. Clips from their wedding highlighted Derek’s feelings for Kate, describing her as ‘fit’ and ‘caring’. Viewers also saw emotional scenes of Derek struggling to stand up during physiotherapy, exclaiming ‘Pathetic’. Kate shed light on the financial strain of Derek’s care, revealing that his basic care costs nearly £4,000 a week, raising awareness for carers across the UK who face similar challenges in caring for their loved ones.
The documentary also touched on Kate’s own struggles as she juggled caring for Derek, hosting Good Morning Britain, and her radio show. She suffered a near stress-induced heart attack in November, highlighting the toll Derek’s illness took on her. Despite the challenges, Kate remained dedicated to caring for Derek, even in the midst of hosting her radio show, staying on the phone with him and playing music for him. The documentary showcased the immense pressure and emotional toll of being a caregiver for a loved one with a serious illness.
Kate expressed her concern for the caregiving system in the UK, where many carers face financial difficulties and lack of support. The documentary featured other carers sharing their stories of caring for loved ones with a range of health issues, highlighting the immense strain and emotional challenges they face. Kate’s dedication to fighting for change in the caring system was a central theme throughout the documentary, as she emphasized the need for better support and resources for carers across the country.
Despite the challenges and heartbreak that Kate faced, the documentary also showcased moments of love and connection between her and Derek, including clips from their wedding and Derek’s reflections on meeting Kate. Sir Elton John’s involvement in offering comfort and support to Kate and Derek, including singing at Derek’s funeral, highlighted the impact of their story on those around them. The documentary served as a tribute to Derek’s bravery and resilience in the face of his illness, as well as a call to action to improve support for carers and those with long-term health issues.
Overall, Kate Garraway’s final documentary on her late husband Derek Draper’s battle with Covid was a poignant and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by caregivers and those living with serious illness. The documentary emphasized the need for better support and resources for carers in the UK, as Kate shared her regrets, struggles, and determination to fight for change in the system. Through Derek’s story, viewers were left moved and inspired by the resilience and love shared by Kate and Derek, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those facing similar challenges.
