Derek Draper's near four-year health battle before tragic death
26.03.2024 - 20:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Derek Draper had a near four-year health battle with the effects of Covid before his tragic death in January at the age of just 56. The former political advisor first fell seriously ill in March 2020.
He spent 98 days in a medically induced coma after his initial diagnosis before going into intensive care, where he reportedly became the longest-surviving patient with coronavirus after 184 days.
He suffered extreme complications related to the disease and after returning home in April 2021, required round-the-clock care. He was readmitted to hospital in July 2022, and again just before Christmas 2023 after suffering a heart attack.
READ MORE: Kate Garraway says 'I'm in debt' as five-figure monthly cost of husband’s care exceeded ITV salary
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His wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, movingly shared regular updates on his health soon after he was diagnosed and has documented the impact of the virus on her family on social media and in documentaries and books. On Tuesday (March 26) ITV is airing a special documentary, Derek's Story, showing Derek's final few weeks in hospital before his death.
Kate admitted she was unsure if it was right to release the documentary after his death but said she didn't want to let down supporters - particularly unpaid and paid carers with whom Derek's story had resonated so much. She said the idea of making a third documentary came from Derek himself and she told him she felt it should be in his voice.
She said in an interview with ITV: "Derek got very emotional at the idea, because his words and speech were so limited and there were so many things he wanted to say about the struggle we were all having as a family
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