Derek Draper funeral: Elton John and Tony Blair arrive to show support to Kate Garraway

Kate Garraway was supported by her shut household and pals as they bid farewell to her husband Derek Draper on Friday.

The Good Morning Britain host was joined by her colleagues Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid for an intimate service. Elton John, his husband David Furnish, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and his spouse Cherie have been among the many attendees.

Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish at the funeral service in Primrose Hill — Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish on the funeral service in Primrose Hill

After Derek’s dying was introduced, Elton despatched his “love and thoughts” to Kate. In response to her submit on Instagram saying the dying, the musician wrote: “So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x.”

Cherie Blair and Tony Blair — Cherie Blair and former MP Tony Blair have been in attendance

In January, Derek, a former political adviser, died on the age of 56 following a number of years of significant well being problems inflicted by coronavirus. He had been critically sick following a coronary heart assault in early December.

Ben Shephard is really good friends with Kate Garraway — Ben Shephard was one of many first to arrive and show his support to Kate Garraway

Although Kate is but to return to work, the GMB host thanked viewers for his or her support following her husband’s dying. In a message learn out by Susanna Reid, Kate mentioned: “Hello everyone. Thank you all so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy, and all of Derek’s family.

Susanna Reid arrives at Derek Draper's Funeral in London — Susanna Reid arrives at Derek Draper’s Funeral in London

“They are an extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.

Ed Balls arriving at St Mary the Virgin Church

“And that is the wonderful thing, isn’t it, about our Good Morning Britain family – that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life.

Derek Draper and Kate Garraway — Derek Draper handed away on the age of 56 in January

“Knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we share too. I am certain that it is the support you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly 4 years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those that can’t fight for themselves. And it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come.

“I look ahead to waking up with you very quickly once more on Good Morning Britain to have fun life in all its surprise and problem once more. I hope you forgive me for taking a while to be at residence. My household is so grateful we could possibly be with our dearest Derek in his closing moments, one thing not all get to share.

Derek with Kate and their two children months before his death — Derek with Kate and their two youngsters months earlier than his dying

“Maybe you too are going through grief yourself, or have done in the past. I send love and support to you too. We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle.”

A timeline of Derek Draper’s well being battle

March 2020: Derek is identified with COVID-19

Kate’s husband was rushed to hospital after contracting COVID-19. He was left critically sick and would stay in hospital for over a 12 months, combating problems from the illness.

April 24, 2020: Derek positioned in medically induced coma

Derek was positioned in a medically induced coma to assist his physique battle the impacts of COVID. He misplaced eight stone throughout this time.

July 2020: Derek wakes from his coma

Kate revealed he was in a “minimally conscious state”. The presenter and her two youngsters have been lastly ready to go to Derek in hospital as coronavirus restrictions eased.

September 2020: Kate offers an replace on Derek’s well being

Kate revealed that his first phrase when he got here round was “pain”. After 214 days in hospital, he was ready to breathe with out a ventilator.

March 23, 2021: Kate releases Caring for Derek documentary

The ITV programme supplied an perception into the household’s wrestle and how completely different their lives had been since Derek fell sick.

April 8, 2021: Derek allowed to transfer residence

Kate started offering 24/7 look after Derek at their household residence in London. She revealed his speech was “very minimal” and that transferring round was tough.

April 2022: Derek reunites with nurse who cared for him

Kate interviewed his carer, Beth Dixon, on GMB. It was an emotional second for the entire household.

June 2022: Derek briefly returns to hospital

A household insider mentioned they have been nervous about Derek’s situation. Kate additionally stepped again from her GMB presenting duties.

January 2023: Derek returns to hospital

Kate revealed Derek had fallen out of his wheelchair and expressed her concern on the lengthy ambulance ready occasions.

July 2023: Derek watches Kate obtain her MBE

Kate was offered with an MBE for providers to journalism. Derek was pictured sitting in a wheelchair and cheering her on in an emotional {photograph}.

September 2023: Kate shares heartbreaking replace

The GMB host admitted they did not know whether or not Derek would ever get higher.

December 2023: Derek suffers a coronary heart assault

Kate revealed Derek had suffered a setback and was re-admitted to hospital. She mentioned watching her husband wrestle each day was “heartbreaking”.

She signed off the message with: “I shall be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close – all my love, Kate.”

Derek was first identified with coronavirus again in 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital earlier than returning residence, the place he acquired round the clock care from specialist nurses and his spouse. The dad-of-two had been in and out of hospital since then for numerous causes and in December 2023 was admitted after struggling a cardiac arrest.

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