Kate Garraway has announced the death of her husband Derek Draper at the age of 56.
Draper - an author and former advisor to the Labour Party - contracted coronavirus in March 2020 and was put into an induced coma.
The illness ravaged his body, leaving him bed-ridden and unable to talk fluently, and when he was finally allowed home in April 2021, he held the unwelcome distinction of being the COVID patient with the longest time spent in hospital in the country.
Last month Draper was readmitted to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest and passed away earlier today with Garraway at his side.
The Good Morning Britain host wrote on Instagram: "I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.
"I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
"Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."
Draper is survived by his parents, wife Kate and their two children.
Neil Wilkes
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