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KATE Garraway has reflected on her "missed moments" of 2020 as husband Derek Draper continues to battle coronavirus in hospital.

The Good Morning Britain host, 53, reflected on her difficult year ahead of the ITV show's 1 Million Minutes Awards which celebrates people working to end loneliness.

Kate Garraway has reflected on her difficult year as husband Derek continues to battle Covid
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Kate Garraway has reflected on her difficult year as husband Derek continues to battle CovidCredit: Alamy

Kate said: "There have been so many missed moments haven't there? The first one was not having our chocolate Easter egg hunt that my mum organises every year.

"All the kids go round and the grown-ups set clues. It's been a huge tradition and that was the first event we missed that really hit home.

"Then there was my birthday and then Billy's birthday and Derek's birthday… all those moments. Trying to make the most of them over Zoom and FaceTime.

"My two god-daughters have both had babies and I have missed the first birthday, I have missed the christening, I just haven't seen them because I haven't been able to. I think I shall treasure all that when we start to get it back.

Kate Garraway has been praised by GMB co-host Ben Shephard for her 'eternal optimism and positivity' during Derek's Covid battle
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Kate Garraway has been praised by GMB co-host Ben Shephard for her 'eternal optimism and positivity' during Derek's Covid battle
Kate broke down in tears as she spoke about her husband's coronavirus battle earlier this year
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Kate broke down in tears as she spoke about her husband's coronavirus battle earlier this year

"Billy also missed all of his end-of-term Year 6 events, along with others in Year 6, which are special because they mark the leaving of primary school and going to secondary school.

"It was such a shame not to be able to say goodbye properly or share those final moments with his schoolteachers and friends.

"But so many people are missing out on such treasured moments, it really does break your heart thinking about it."

Kate's GMB co-star Ben Shephard also praised her for having "eternal optimism and positivity" during Derek's Covid battle.

Kate with her husband, psychotherapist and author Derek, before he got sick - they are seen here with their children Billy and Darcy
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Kate with her husband, psychotherapist and author Derek, before he got sick - they are seen here with their children Billy and DarcyCredit: Splash News

Ben said: "There is not a day when I don’t think about her and what is happening that day and whether I can do something to help her today.

"There is not a moment when I’m working with her where that admiration tarnishes.

"Kate is so brilliant and professional and we have fun so you sometimes forget the relentless journey that they are on at the moment.

"We all want to know what the outcome is going to be and that is the hardest thing, not knowing. It is so, so difficult and her eternal optimism and positivity is something that we can all look at.

"It is something that I use to inspire me as well. In 2021, I will undoubtedly be more optimistic and positive, because of my friendship with Kate and how much I admire her."

The 1 Million Minute Awards, hosted by Kate and Ben, will take place virtually on December 17th.

Kate Garraway says her kids Darcy and Billy are her 'heroes' as they get her through husband Derek Draper's covid battle
Derek has been in hospital since March
Derek has been in hospital since MarchCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign

THIS Christmas we are teaming up with the Together Campaign, a coalition of community groups and organisations, and Royal Voluntary Service to combat loneliness.

And we want to recruit an army of volunteers to support those feeling cut off, anxious and isolated, this Christmas.

Could YOU reach out to someone who might be struggling and alone?    

It might be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.

Or we can connect you with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder programme run by the NHS, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app. 

Could you give up half an hour to make a call and chat with someone feeling  isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential shopping or festive treats?

Go to to sign up as a volunteer. 

You will then receive an email taking you through the sign up process and be asked to download the responder app which will match you to those in need in your area.

Don’t worry if you don’t get a job straight away, because jobs are matched according to the need local to you.  Being ready to help is what really matters.

Kate previously told The Sun that Derek had said his first word since he entered a coma - but she feels "physically sick" at the thought of spending Christmas without him.

And on Christmas during the pandemic, Ben said: "There is no question it will not feel the same this year. It won’t be the same.

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"My heart will go out to people who can’t be with the family they want to be with and equally I will be very conscious of Kate and Bill and Darcey and what they are going through."

Watch Good Morning Britain on ITV weekdays from 6am. To pledge your support to GMB’s 1 Million Minutes Awards go to:

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