Derek Draper's defiant five-word message about ITV documentary airing after his death
Derek Draper explained why he wanted to participate in an ITV documentary about his ill health before his death.
The former political lobbyist, who was married to GMB's Kate Garraway,died on January 3, aged 56, froma cardiac arrestafter suffering multiple health complications from contracting Covid in 2020.
The final year of Draper's life has been documented in new film Kate Garraway: Derek's Story, which will air later in March more than two months after his death.
Draper was asked by ITV why he decided to let the cameras in and he responded: 'I want to be heard.'
Kate, 56, meanwhile admitted she had second thoughts about the documentary airing after Draper's death.
'Obviously when we started making this documentary early last year, we had no idea the events that would unfold that ultimately took Derek from us. And in January 2024, I wondered if it was right that it should ever come to air,' she explained.'
'But I didn't want to let those who have given us so much support over the last four years down, and the carers paid and unpaid who in their thousands of letters to me, feel Derek's story has given them a voice.
In reference to the two previous ITV films about Draper, Kate continued: 'Also, I remembered so vividly that the idea of making this third documentary at all came from Derek himself.'
She added: 'I am delighted that the film is a tribute to Derek, his incredible spirit and a tribute to all of those who fight on to make every second of life count, whatever is thrown at them.'
Kate Garraway: Derek's Story provides an insight into Draper's personal struggles with illness and highlights the challenges faced by millions of people in the UK living with serious illness and disability and those who care for them.
Joining Draper and Kate in May 2023,the film confronts head-on the reality of Draper's struggles and gives an unflinching view of the effect on all those around while capturing real moments of love and joy as they spend time together as a family.
With around five million unpaid carers in England and Wales, the feature also highlights the often prohibitive costs as well as practical difficulties, of caring for people within their homes and features contributions from Jake, the care worker who supports Draper's care, as well as Kathryn Smith, CEO from charity Social Care Institute for Excellence.
As well as Draper's illness and care, Derek's Story will reflect on his life before Covid, including his high-profile political career, as well his relationship with Kate, their early years together and how his illness changed the nature of their dynamic while they maintained their close bond.
Kate previously shared her experience of caring for Draper over his four-year battle with long Covid through personal documentaries Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek, andKate Garraway: Finding Derek for which she has been credited with raising awareness of the condition, and the job of the country's carers.
'People will know how unbelievably hard it is, but what an honour is too,' Kate said of her role as a carer for Draper over the past few years.
'I wish I was caring for Derek today,' she said, welling up. 'It's the ultimate honour and privilege.'
Kate Garraway: Derek's Story is airing on Tuesday, March 26 at 9pm onITV1.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE : Kate Garraway reveals daughter's heartbreaking request for 18th birthday after dad's death
MORE : Good Morning Britain hosts address Kate Garraway's absence after concern from fans
MORE : Good Morning Britain hosts address Kate Garraway's absence after concern from fans
More >> https://ift.tt/OHAQadq Source: IN TREND TODAY
Post a Comment