GMB's Kate Garraway opens up on the "tough" mounting costs of caring for husband Derek
Kate Garraway has discussed the rising financial implications of caring for her husband Derek Draper, whose COVID diagnosis changed their lives forever in 2020.
The Good Morning Britain presenter most recently paid for two rounds of a "potentially life-saving" Mexican medical trial, but the ongoing costs are frighteningly high.
"Every day is a rollercoaster. Derek's spirit fluctuates. Sometimes he lies there, unable to move, with tears rolling down his face and it is heartbreaking. But if it's hard for us, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for him," she told The Sun.
Related: GMB's Kate Garraway details horrific moment husband Derek Draper fell out of his wheelchair
"Perhaps there is the assumption that because I'm on the telly, and because people have heard so much of Derek's story — and he has touched so many hearts — that we've had special treatment from the NHS or bypassed waiting lists.
"We haven't jumped any queues, which is just as it should be," she made sure to clarify.
"There are only so many resources and we are still waiting on referrals from almost three years ago. Of course it's been tough financially. As anyone with a loved one who is seriously ill knows, the costs go through the roof in so many ways."
Related: GMB's Kate Garraway 'relearning how to be husband and wife' with Derek Draper
Garraway, who previously admitted that the father of her two kids remains "very damaged" by the virus that rendered him comatose, went on to candidly explain: "You have to make changes to your home and it affects your ability to work.
"I had to take long periods off when Derek was first sick, and of course if affects the overall income for the family as he can no longer work. We had to wind up the business we had together, and also I've had to take on assistants so that I can focus on Derek when not on air.
"Derek was always so incredibly supportive of my work, but I didn't realise just how much he did do in that area until he couldn't anymore. But we will never give up trying and I know I'm in an incredibly lucky position compared to so many, which is why I want to speak up now on behalf of everyone else."
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