Kate Garraway was afraid it would not happen.
After 21 long months of struggle, she was finally able enjoy a family trip with Derek Draper.
Although still suffering from severe illness, our photos show that the ex-political adviser was able to keep a smile on her face despite being severely ill.
And that, quite understandably, brought a look of glee to Ms Garraway’s face, too, as they enjoyed an afternoon out at the pantomime with their two children.
Mr Draper had been allowed home for Christmas in what the presenter poignantly called ‘the greatest gift’ she could receive.
‘Last Christmas Eve, we did have a lot of promise and a lot of hope but Derek was in hospital,’ she recalled.
‘We had no idea whether he was going to live or die, praying that it was going in the right direction.’
Although still weak and suffering from the effects of the virus on his body, Derek Draper, a former political advisor managed to make a genuine smile following a trip with the family to Cinderella’s at Richmond Theatre.
Kate Garraway finally enjoyed a fun family outing after 21 months of hard work. This was despite Derek Draper continuing to fight the effects of Covid.
Cinderella was seen at Richmond Theatre, West London for the first time since the 54-year old (center) contracted Covid in February 2020.
After contracting Covid in February 2020, the 54 year-old was unable to see outside until now.
He was so severely ill he was placed in a medically induced coma for several months, and continues to have ‘extraordinary problems with communication, mobility is very limited, massive problems with fatigue and sometimes it’s like he’s not present with you,’ in Ms Garraway’s bravely honest words.
However, the couple was able to enjoy a visit to the theatre together with Darcy (15), and their son Billy (12).
As they waited to catch a taxi, the children hugged their dad tightly.
After falling seriously ill with an unpredictable respiratory virus (photo in 2019), the former political adviser was taken to the hospital.
The panto stars Anton Du Beke, who was Ms Garraway’s partner when she took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2007.
These touching pictures were taken on Wednesday, just two days before she described his slow but positive progress on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Speaking of how she was heartened by signs of his recovery, she said: ‘We were playing a silly game, one of those moral question games…and they asked “Who is likely to find money on the floor and keep it?” and everyone in the room said all at the same time “Darcy,” and he started to laugh.
‘And honestly, it was just the most lovely moment because you thought he does get it, he does understand. And he’s right! Because she is the most likely!’
Derek Draper was so severely ill he was placed in a medically induced coma for several months, and continues to have ‘extraordinary problems with communication’
Ms Garraway, 54, also delivered a touching message about love when she appeared on ITV’s Royal Carols: Together At Christmas on Friday
Ms Garraway, 54, also delivered a touching message about love when she appeared on ITV’s Royal Carols: Together At Christmas on Friday.
The Duke and Duchess were present when she read Love Came Down At Christmas, a poem by Christina Rossetti.
She also told Women’s Own magazine they would be having a subdued Christmas, adding: ‘It’s adjusting to a new normal, but also grateful he’s here at all…which we feared would never happen.’