Kate Garraway says Derek’s first word brings hope but also fear for his survival

Kate Garraway has revealed how she remains fearful for husband Derek Draper despite him saying his first word since his battle with Covid-19 began.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, explained how the situation with her ill husband remains uncertain and she is filled with a mix of emotions over his breakthrough after his 214-day battle with the coronavirus.

Speaking to The Sun, Kate admitted: “The emotionally challenging thing is that we’re waiting now to see what happens next; somehow it’s even more agonising now there’s been this breakthrough.

“We have greater hope now, but also greater fear of him slipping back.”

The broadcaster opened up about how the unpredictability of the virus is what leads to the biggest of her worries.

She explained: “There’s no precedent to this virus. Even now no one fully understands it and its long-term effects.

“There is no idea of timescale or any data as to how much he can recover or how long it will take.”

Kate explained that the signs are positive after Derek had his tracheotomy tube removed, meaning he is breathing on his own.

However, journalist Kate added that “he still has a long way to go.”

Despite his ability to breathe without a ventilator, Kate also revealed how the virus has left Derek with type-1 diabetes and he remains heavily medicated as he is still weak.

Derek was first admitted to hospital on March 30 and Kate has had both support from and supported her children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, throughout the troubling time.

Kate referred to the NHS staff who are caring for Derek as “heroes” as she realises how much they have done for her family.

Despite missing her husband, she insists to the paper that she still sees a “flash of his presence”, despite Derek remaining in a PDOC (Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness).

Throughout the crisis, Kate has also been supported by her Good Morning Britain colleagues and has been back alongside the likes of Ben Shepherd in recent months.

Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays on ITV.

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