GMB presenter Kate Garraway has opened up about her experience caring for her Covid-stricken husband, Derek Draper, as he continues to suffer a serious case of long-Covid.
Former political adviser Derek was first rushed to hospital in an ambulance in March 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic.
He was placed on a ventilator and put in an induced coma — with Kate and the couple’s two kids Darcey, 16, and Billy, 13, unable to visit him due to the strict Covid rules.
13 months later, in April 2022, he was finally allowed home from hospital, but was confined to a wheelchair as he struggles to move.
Having been hospitalised for so long, his body was ravaged with various crippling conditions and Derek remains confined to a bed and wheelchair a year after being discharged.
And his health struggles are still ongoing, reveals Kate who told The Sun: “Derek’s spirit fluctuates. Sometimes he lies there, unable to move, with tears rolling down his face and it is heartbreaking."
She went on to reveal that she is currently surviving on around "four hours" sleep, often getting up every two hours at night to help the carer move him. She washes and changes his bedsheets at least seven times a day.
"There are some days where he literally cannot do anything and it’s like the computer is switched off," she added.
"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."
Last summer, Derek was rushed to hospital after being diagnosed with sepsis which nearly killed him, and then returned to hospital for a serious procedure just a few weeks later, spending the majority of last year in hospital.
And back in October, Kate revealed that Derek 'remains very damaged' during his health battle.
The TV personality has also revealed she has spent tens of thousands of pounds adapting the family’s London home for her husband's needs.
This includes installing a downstairs wet room, wheelchair ramps, makeshift downstairs bedroom and making the ground floor accessible for stretchers and wheelchairs.
Kate recently took to her Instagram to pay tribute to Derek's full-time carer, Jake, who had looked after him when he was first released from hospital.
In the snap, Derek can be seen laying in bed while Jake holds his hand and looks towards him grinning.
Sharing to photo to Instagram, Kate penned the caption: "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. The world of carers never fails to surprise me with their depths of talent , thoughtfulness and motivation #happyfriday all."
READ MORE
Click here for today's top showbiz news
- Beckhams put on a united front to support Victoria at Fashion Week but one son is absent
- Made In Chelsea's original stars now from heartbreaking addiction to royal connection
- New mum Molly-Mae Hague 'learns to socialise again' as she enjoys girl's night out
Get exclusive celebrity stories and shoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter
Source: Read Full Article
