Richard Madeley pays tribute to Kate Garraway and Derek Draper’s love story and says GMB host ‘never gave up’ on him

RICHARD Madeley has paid tribute to Kate Garraway and Derek Draper's love story - saying the GMB host "never gave up" on him.

Derek, 56, who became known as the nation's longest-suffering Covid patient, died last week after a four-year ordeal.

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Garraway and the couple's children were by Derek's side during his final hours.

Her email message to viewers was recorded as a taped audio segment by Madeley's co-star Susanna Reid this morning.

A montage of sweet pics of Kate, Derek and their children accompanied the recording.

Madeley shared his own touching tribute after the tape aired on GMB at 6am.

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He said: "Along with her regular updates here on Good Morning Britain, Kate shared her struggles through two documentaries,

"They highlighted the challenges that any of us would face with a loved one struck down by such a devastating illness.

"Her bravery and determination to never, ever give up on Derek is truly inspiring - and it is indeed a true love story."

Reid held back tears as she read Garraway's tribute to Derek on GMB this morning - with the star saying her children "know daddy is at peace".

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She said: "It's absolute classic Kate that in a circumstance that is so deeply painful for her and her family, she thinks of absolutely everybody else who might be in the same situation.

"Kate's unwavering devotion to Derek and her determination to help him recover from the devastating consequences of Covid has imprinted itself on everyone who knows her and also the whole nation.

"From the royal family to the country's political leaders. From those who work in medicine to those who work in showbiz.

"And to so many of you watching at home."

Derek suffered health problems including holes in his heart after contracting the virus at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

The dad was placed in an induced coma after contracting the virus and was given a ventilator.

Derek went on to spend 13 months in hospital.

After being discharged in 2021, Derek ended up back in hospital several times.