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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Olivia Petter

Kate Garraway says husband Derek is ‘very changed’ since long battle with coronavirus

Photograph: Rex Features

Kate Garraway has spoken about visiting her husband Derek Draper in hospital over the Christmas period, revealing that he is "very changed" since he contracted Covid-19 last year.

Draper was first admitted to hospital in late March after catching the virus.

As the 53-year-old’s condition quickly worsened, he was taken to intensive care and placed in a medically-induced coma.

In July, it was reported that Draper was in a minimal state of consciousness, having come out of a “deeper coma”.

On Thursday, the Good Morning Britain presenter told viewers she'd had a "tough" time over the festive season, but added that she and her children were able to visit Draper in hospital.

"There was a lovely moment, which we did have, we did over the period get to see Derek, and the children did, which is the first time they've been able to do that," the presenter said. "So, that was amazing."

Garraway went on to say how the visit was also incredibly tough.

“Of course, it was very heightened with emotion because he's very changed," she said. 

"It was one of those moments where it was so wonderful but then also it sort of amplified how sad everything was, and how different it is.

“But it was still fantastic and I'm very grateful to have had that opportunity.”

Garraway added how, due to the lockdown in England, she is no longer able to visit her husband in hospital.

"I hope [it] doesn't continue for the whole of lockdown because I think that will be very impactful on Derek's state,“ she said of not being permitted to visit her husband.

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