'sending love'
Kate Garraway’s Good Morning Britain co-stars wish her Happy Birthday amid husband Derek’s coronavirus illness
KATE Garraway's Good Morning Britain co-stars wished her a Happy Birthday today amid her husband Derek Draper's coronavirus battle.
Kate turned 53 today, as her husband lay seriously ill in hospital fighting the deadly bug.
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Presenter Ben Shephard, who has replaced Piers Morgan today on the ITV show after he revealed he is sick and being tested for coronavirus, led tributes to brave Kate.
He said: "She is with her family and keeping everything crossed, obviously, because Derek is still critically ill but we just want to say happy birthday, Kate, however you can celebrate today.
"I'm sure that Darcey and Billy have got a cake or something, but we're sending lots and lots of love."
Susanna Reid, 45, added: "She doesn't look a day over 25" and Ben joked: "No, after a lot of make up."
Susanna then told her pal Kate: "We are sending you lots and lots of love."
Later, Lorraine Kelly took over from Ben and Susanna and revealed Derek is "stable" and "not getting any worse."
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However, Good Morning Britain revealed on Friday that
Kate shared a heartbreaking update on Derek's condition on Friday and said he is "still with us" but facing a huge battle with coronavirus in an emotional post.
Sharing a video of her joining her family in clapping for carers on Thursday night, she wrote: "So much to be grateful for tonight. Derek is still with us but what a battle it is.
"So grateful too for our amazing #nhs doing so much for Derek everyday - wonderful to see all the support for them & our key workers every Thursday. We can’t thank them enough can we?
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She added: "So brave. Sending love to everyone during this ghastly time, particularly all those struggling for whatever reason- none of this is easy. Thank you so much for your messages - they mean so much to me.
"Love and so much thanks from me and the whole family. X #staypositive #hope #standtogether #nhs."
And one of her fans told Kate his mum lights a candle every day for both Derek and the other people fighting the deadly virus.
They tweeted: "My mum (who's 80 next week and not a Twitter user!)has asked if I could let you know she lights a candle every day for Derek and for all those suffering from this horrendous virus.
"We send you and your family lots of love. X"
Kate was touched by the tweet, writing in response: "That’s so wonderful - thank you so much and sending love x #staypositive"
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Kate updated her followers about Derek's condition last Friday - and admitted she is still worried about his health.
She wrote:"You may have seen over the last few that my husband Derek has been seriously ill in hospital with Covid-19.
"I am afraid that he remains in a deeply critical condition and is very ill, but he's still alive so there is hope.
"It remains an extremely worrying time for us all and the last couple of weeks have been the hardest of my life."
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The presenter also made a point of thanking the NHS frontline workers who had been looking after Derek.
She wrote: "From the bottom of my heart a billion thank yous to the extraordinary NHS workers whose skills, dedication and downright guts in the face of so much personal risk, are keeping my Derek alive, just as they are for thousands of other Covid patients."
She added: "Sending so much love and support to the thousands who have had that hope for their loved ones stolen by this hideous disease.
"You are not alone and I hope that helps give you strength to withstand the torture of grief."
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The mum-of-two also made a point of thanking all her fans who sent her kind messages of support.
She wrote: "I wanted to send a huge thank you to all of you who have sent me such a wonderful messages wishing Derek well. It has meant the world to me.
"I am sorry I have not been able to reply to them individually, as I am sure you will understand that I am focusing on my family and Derek right now."
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Ben Shephard says Kate Garraway spends time talking and playing music to her critically ill husband Derek Draper as he fights coronavirus
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