Kate Garraway details ‘hospital scare’ as she shares rare picture of Derek Draper celebrating Christmas at home

Kate Garraway has revealed her ill husband, Derek Draper, was nearly forced to return to hospital over the festival period after a “scare”.

Kate, 54—who shares two children with Derek—took to Instagram to update fans on the family’s Christmas plans, which were nearly ruined due to a last-minute hospital dash with Derek.

She explained, “So the last 24 hours has been bumpy - a scare that meant Derek might have had to go back into hospital (thankfully sorted by a visit from nurse/ carer), he has also had one of his ultra fatigue days so has been too weak to do much other than sleep.”

Detailing the realities of Christmas, Kate added, “I burnt the parsnips (Darceys favourite) and got the ‘wrong’ Lego for Billy. But now snuggled up around Dad’s bed watching #nativity everything feels suddenly perfect.

“Feel so grateful to have the chance to be together. Sending love & hoping you have found some joy today whatever your circumstances - #merrychristmas all!”

The caption accompanied a photograph that made “hearts burst” of Derek surrounded by the couple’s two children and a festive tin of Quality Street.

One fan simply wrote, “heart bursts,” while Kate’s co-star Ranvir Singh praised her strength. “I hope you sat down immediately after taking this photo and let those wings rest. You are their guardian Angel… and you have superhuman powers of endurance.”

The Good Morning Britain presenter’s husband is thought to be Britain’s longest-surviving covid-19 patient following his 19-month battle with the deadly virus.

Derek, 54, contracted the virus back at the start of the pandemic and remained in hospital until April—a year on, when he returned home.

Despite being free from the virus now, coronavirus has “wreaked extraordinary damage” on Derek. And the disease has “devastated” him, according to Kate. 

"From the top of his head to the tip of his toe. His digestive system, his liver, his kidneys, his heart, his nervous system. We're pretty sure that the inflammation did pass through the brain."

Although things certainly look different in Kate’s house, she confessed having Derek home for Christmas is the “biggest gift”.