What did you miss?
Derek Draper shared his love for “caring” and “fit” wife Kate Garraway in the final documentary about him.
The Good Morning Britain shared intimate moments from their marriage in her latest documentary, Derek’s Story which aired on ITV1. Her husband Draper died in January 2024 aged 56 following his four year illness as a result of COVID. She said she wanted the last documentary to be his legacy – highlighting the UKs defective social care system, which only provides funding for those with the most extreme needs and the lowest financial means.
But the documentary also showed the love between the pair, and how it had evolved as she became his carer in the final fours years of his life.
What, how, and why?
Draper recalled meeting Garraway for the first time on a blind date at the bar London hotel Claridge’s. Asked when he thought of they when they first met he said: “She was fit.” And he said that he thought she was “caring, lovely” and he knew he wanted to marry her.
Draper’s speech at his wedding to Garraway in 2005 was played as part of the film.
The pair gazed lovingly into one another;s eyes as he declared: “I have never felt more alive than I do in Kate’s presence. Spending my limited time on this planet in the company of such a woman seemed like a damn fine idea within just a few weeks of meeting her. And thank the lord she felt the same way.”
He went on: “Thank you for making me the happiest, safest, proudest man in the world.”
In the final scene of the documentary Draper was asked what has been the most important thing to him in the last three years [since he fell ill]. He simply replied: “Family.”
Garraway has spoken out about the debt she has incurred for funding Draper’s care at her home. She said she is prepared to “get flak” for criticising the current social care system, which she said is designed to “catch you out when you need it to catch you from falling.”
She also spoke about how she and Draper had struggled to work out how to show love one another after she became his carer. The TV presenter said: “I have accepted [my future as a carer], but how that translates into the relationship is a work in progress.
“Sometimes you show love with a big bunch of flowers, sometimes it’s bringing a cup of tea at the right moment, and he can’t do any of those things for me. So he’s trying to work out how to love me – I know he loves me, but how does he show that? And I’m trying to work out if I feel loved by him. I know I am loved, so we have got a whole journey to go on there.”
What else happened on Derek’s Story?
Viewers shared their support and praise for Garraway for making the documentary.
One wrote on social media platform X: “@kategarraway is a true inspiration. I have nothing but admiration for what she and many others have been through with this dreadful disease. If you’re still fighting this battle with Long COVID I’m thinking of you and sending so much strength #KateGarraway” Another said: “Watching #KateGarraway documentary now with Derek and I think she’s really brave. Letting people into their lives, all so personal. All credit to her and her family.Lovely to see old footage of #Derek too. #Caring costs a lot of money even when you go to work.” And another shared: “The tears are tripping me watching this Kate Garraway and Derek documentary. I watched the first one too. That woman is so bloody strong. I really hope people don’t troll her as she doesn’t deserve it. A walking saint. Lovely person #KateGarraway”
Other viewers applauded her for highlighting the flaws in the social care system.
One tweeted: “Kate and Derek were so let down by our government. So very very sad. And there’s thousands like them. #dereksstory #KateGarraway” Another commented: “Everything she’s doing here is highlighting the lack of affordable care available. I think it’s an absolute tribute to Derek Draper who spent his life fighting social injustice. #KateGarraway.” And a third wrote: “So many people in the same boat, not getting the right support when needed… well done @kategarraway for shining a light on the challenges that carers face daily #kategarraway #DerekStory” And another observed: “The amazing thing about the #KateGarraway story is that it shines a light on what is often invisible to many of us, the care that goes on behind closed doors. This is just one story but there’s thousands if not millions more that are struggling to cope.”
But there were also many who used the opportunity to troll Garraway.
One viewer posted: “So many trolling @kategarraway on the decision to make this documentary but they need to watch it first surely. While dealing with day to day things harder than most people do, but like many others, she’s campaigning for the care system. Watch it first?? #KateGarraway #derek”
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story is available to stream on ITVX.
Read more: Kate Garraway
Watch: Derek Draper opens birthday cards with Kate Garraway in a new documentary clip
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
