[Ammi]

Derek Draper, a former political adviser and husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has died after several years of serious health complications due to coronavirus.

The 56-year-old was said to be one of the UK's longest-suffering COVID patients, spending 13 months in hospital after contracting the virus in March 2020.

He was left with extensive damage to his organs and needed daily care.

Garraway posted a statement on Instagram this morning saying her "darling husband" had died and she had been "by his side holding his hand throughout his last long hours".

She confirmed he suffered a heart attack in early December, adding that "the damage inflicted by COVID... led to further complications".

"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," she said in her Instagram post.

https://news.sky.com/story/derek-dra...-dies-13033929

…the last few years have just been so heartbreaking for the family…

[arista]

Yes China's Covid-19 killed him.

[AnnieK]

Very sad for the family. He battled hard but his medical problems after Covid were extensive.

[joeysteele]

Long hard battle after covid.
Sad news.
R.I.P.

[Niamh.]

Very sad

[thesheriff443]

Derek had battled for survival like a super human and in-turn Kate has supported him and shown unbelievable strength
The whole family have been living day by day for years

I hope everyone involved can find some peace

[Vanessa]

Yes. Some people are affected much harder by covid.
We have someone at work who still has the effects from it. She always wears a mask.

[rusticgal]

So sad....what a struggle it was for all of them. They all had amazing courage and strength. I guess it was inevitable..may he rest in peace.

[Cherie]

He battled, but a happy day for him as he was never going to recover

RIP

[Mystic Mock]

RIP

[arista]

[arista]

[arista]

[arista]