Kate Garraway has opened up about the intense preparations it took in order for her husband Derek Draper to attend a once-in-a-lifetime concert by Sir Elton John, as she revealed it took “weeks of planning” and very nearly didn’t happen at all.
Former lobbyist Derek, 55, has been caught in an intense health struggle over the past three years after suffering with the gruelling aftermath of Covid-19, something which now requires constant care.
However this week, Derek was able to have a brief moment of normality, as Kate and his children Darcey and Billy whisked him off to the O2 Arena in London to see Elton John perform as part of his farewell tour, something which Derek had excitedly been looking forward to for months.
Opening up about the logistics involved, Kate told Smooth Radio: "Right up to the last minute, I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to get Derek there.”
“It took weeks of planning and just days before, it looked like he would be too sick to attend. Even on the journey there, he seemed so weak.”
"But as soon as we got into the stadium and Elton went on stage, he started weeping tears of joy, and squeezed my hand so tightly.”
Unfortunately, part way through the performance, Derek became unwell and needed to leave the hall momentarily, with the support of his wife and accompanying nurses, leading Kate to fear they would have to head home.
Thankfully however after a break, Derek managed to feel a little better, and soon headed back in to the concert, where he and his family were greeted by the most unexpected dedication from pop superstar Elton himself.
In a heartfelt speech, Elton dedicated one of his songs to them as he told the audience how the Garraway family had been through some “really tough times” in recent months, but he was so glad that they were there.
"They’re inspiring" Elton said. "They’ve never given up and I’m so thrilled they’re here, I can’t believe they are here."
"I want to dedicate this song to the people I mentioned before, but especially to you guys."
In a poignant tribute, the singer then began to perform his 1974 hit Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
Reflecting on the experience, Kate said: "We were all in tears, the kids, Derek and even the nurses. It was completely unexpected. People around us were so lovely and started clapping which was an extraordinary moment we will all treasure forever and Elton made it possible.”
“I can’t thank Elton and David enough. They are such kind people and have been so supportive to us all over the last three years.
“We have been surrounded by so much kindness from people everywhere. It really keeps us going through the hard times. We’re just bursting with gratitude.”
On Tuesday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, show host Richard Arnold also offered a little more insight into why Elton’s tribute in particular struck a chord with the couple, as he explained that all throughout Derek’s recovery in hospital, Kate had played him Sir Elton’s tracks.
He said: "It's lovely to see them out and about because of course as we know it's quite the feat so it's wonderful that they got to share that moment together."
Despite the memory making moment, sadly Derek has been “exhausted” since the concert and is now back in hospital for treatment.
But keen to highlight a silver lining, Kate concluded: “But his spirit is lifted and we’ll always have that special moment as a family, whatever the future holds."
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