Kate Garraway Faces Surgery After Prioritizing Husband’s Care
Broadcaster’s Autoimmune Condition Worsens Following Derek Draper’s Battle with COVID-19
British television personality Kate Garraway is preparing for potential surgery to address a long-standing autoimmune thyroid condition, a health issue she admits was neglected while she devoted herself to caring for her late husband, Derek Draper. The situation highlights the often-invisible toll caregiving takes on personal health.
Health Struggles Resurface
Garraway revealed the significant deterioration of her condition in a recent column, explaining that years of insufficient self-care have led to this point. She expressed regret, stating that the surgery might have been avoidable had she prioritized her own well-being.
“My autoimmune thyroid condition — neglected during Derek’s illness — has now worsened significantly. Surgery now looks likely. It could have been avoided.”
—Kate Garraway, The Sun
During a critical period when care arrangements for Derek were in transition, Garraway found herself solely responsible for his 24/7 care. This intense period of isolation and responsibility exacerbated her own health concerns.
The emotional strain continues, as Garraway frequently wakes in the night with lingering anxieties about ensuring Derek received his medication, a poignant reminder of her recent loss. According to a 2023 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving, over 65% of family caregivers report experiencing symptoms of depression. National Alliance for Caregiving Report
A Heartbreaking Loss
Kate Garraway and Derek Draper shared 18 years of marriage and two children, Darcey and Billy. Mr. Draper tragically passed away in January 2024 following a prolonged battle with the long-term effects of COVID-19, having been one of the first individuals in the UK to contract the virus in March 2020.
After a year-long hospital stay and subsequent return home, Derek required constant, round-the-clock care, a responsibility Kate largely shouldered. His condition took a turn for the worse in December 2023, when he suffered a major heart attack and was once again fighting for his life.
Garraway has described the grief as a “tsunami of sadness,” and now faces the prospect of surgery while navigating life without her husband. The situation underscores the importance of caregivers prioritizing their own health and seeking support during challenging times.
