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BY HER SIDE
Last photo of Derek Draper shows by Kate Garraway’s side at pal Peter Mandelson’s wedding just two months ago
Kate Garraway today released a heartbreaking statement as she revealed she was with her husband until the very end
THE emotional last photo of Derek Draper shows him as the dedicated husband he was - by wife Kate Garraway's side.
Derek, who had been "fighting" until the end, sadly passed away after four long years of health battles having contracted Covid.
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It is understood he died at a North London hospital on Wednesday.
In a heartbreaking tribute today she wrote: "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."
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The touching last photo of the 56-year-old showed Derek at wife Kate's side.
The pair were at the wedding of his former boss Peter Mandelson in October.
Peter can be seen shaking Derek's hand as he chats to Kate, while she holds her arm sweetly on his back.
Prior to that, he was captured next to Kate with her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway.
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It comes as...
- Kate revealed she held her husband's hand as he died
- Derek's last photo shows him at pal Peter Mandeson's wedding
- Kate's co-stars including Susanna Reid have led tributes to the dad-of-two
- Derek's health battles revealed after he suffered heart attack before Christmas
The family joined together in June to celebrate the presenter being awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle.
Derek was able to proudly witness his wife accept the award, bestowed by Prince William, for her achievements in the broadcasting and journalism industries as well as charity involvement.
Sadly, less than a week after the joyous event, the dad-of-two was rushed to hospital again.
In October, Kate offered a health update in which she revealed her husband was "not doing great" after coming down with an infection.
Tragic news of Derek's passing comes after Kate held a 24-7 vigil as family and friends were informed of his worsening condition.
The presenter had cancelled all TV and radio work to stay by his side.
Derek, 55, had been "fighting for his life" after suffering a major heart attack on December 11.
A source last night said: “Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
"Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
The dedicated wife had been a carer to Derek ever since he returned home following 214 days in hospital following a life-changing Covid infection in 2021.
He was put into an induced coma for nearly four months and lost his ability to speak properly.
The virus had caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and liver and pancreas damage.
Derek battled several dangerous infections, including "life-threatening" sepsis in August 2022.
The setback was followed with more ill-health, and the family previously revealed they secretly flew to Mexico for medical trials.
Kate has also shared the struggles of daily life caring for her husband in two critically acclaimed documentaries.
They showed how she often woke up to help carers move Derek through the night, and how she washed his bed sheets multiple times a day.
In a previous interview, the heartbroken mum-of-two candidly spoke of the pain Derek endured.
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She said: “Derek is trapped, but he fights on. We cling on to the good days. Every day is a rollercoaster. His spirit fluctuates.
“Sometimes he lies there, unable to move, with tears rolling down his face and it is heart-breaking. But if it’s hard for us, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for him.”
Derek's three-year struggle
MARCH 30, 2020: Derek is rushed unresponsive to hospital with Covid.
APRIL 24: He is put into an induced coma.
JUNE 5: Kate reveals Derek is Covid free but his body suffered damage.
JULY 5: He awakens from a deep coma but remains “minimally conscious”.
SEPTEMBER 6: Kate then reveals Derek lost eight stone and cannot speak.
SEPTEMBER 29: Becomes the longest-suffering Covid patient after spending 184 days in hospital.
OCTOBER 30: Wakes from coma and speaks for first time in seven months.
OCTOBER 31: He is finally taken off ventilator after 214 days in hospital.
JANUARY 7, 2021: Kate reveals kids got to visit Derek at Christmas — the first time since he was hospitalised.
APRIL 9: Derek returns home after over a year, but needs full-time care.
MAY 4: He is able to converse more.
DECEMBER 22: Pictured in public for the first time at a panto.
FEBRUARY 21, 2022: Kate says they secretly flew to Mexico for medical trial.
JULY 6: Derek is rushed back into hospital.
AUGUST 1: He is in intensive care with “life-threatening” sepsis.
JUNE 28, 2023: He sees wife Kate made MBE.
OCTOBER 8: Kate reveals Derek is “not doing great” after an infection.
NOVEMBER 23: In hospital for treatment to help with movement.
DECEMBER 11: Taken ill and suffers heart attack
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