Ben Shephard shares three-word message to Kate Garraway on first birthday without husband Derek Draper
Ben Shephard has led the tributes to his former Good Morning Britain co-star Kate Garraway on her first birthday following the loss of her husband Derek. Derek passed away in January following a four-year battle with the devastating effects of Covid.
Since then Kate has been open about struggling with her grief as she continues to mark milestones without her late husband, mostly recently her own birthday. Marking this difficult day, Kate's former GMB co-star Ben shared a heartfelt message as she turned 57.
The This Morning presenter shared a nostalgic snapshot of himself with Kate behind the scenes at Good Morning Britain, where Kate is seen with her hair set in rollers. He accompanied the photo with the caption: "Not another birthday @kategarraway."
Susanna Reid, who currently shares the GMB presenting duties with Kate, also commemorated the day with a touching message. Posting a photo of the pair, she penned: "Happy birthday to my gorgeous friend @kategarraway." Adding to the well-wishes, weather presenter Laura Tobin said: "Happy Birthday [Kate]. So happy I could share a drink with you earlier this week and toast to your Variety Club Award #Proud."
Kate recently graced the red carpet for the first time since her husband Derek's passing, attending the star-studded Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on April 28. It was a night to remember as she was honoured with the prestigious Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2024 for her Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting - Television and Radio.
Taking to Instagram, Kate shared some photos of the event, which she captioned: "Well this was a moment. My first red carpet event, following Derek's passing - and WHAT an event..
Kate continued: "I’ve been aware of the incredible work @variety does over its 75 years to help disabled & disadvantaged children & heard that it’s awards do’s are always the glitziest.
"I was so pleased to have an invite to attend but then to actually WIN an award was an incredible honour - a silver heart for Outstanding Contribution to TV & Radio - I guess if you cling on long enough you eventually make a contribution!!!!!!
"And then to be presented it by @benshephardofficial - so special. Congrats to all the winners @j_corden @sheridansmithster @thejanemcdonald @joancollinsdbe @crouchy @global @ashleytaborking #bradleywalsh @mralfieboe & so many more. #humbling #grateful"
On 5 January, Kate shared the heart-breaking news that her husband and father of her two children, Derek had died. Derek had been fighting the effects of Covid for nearly four years, after falling seriously ill with the virus at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Despite being back at home, he was readmitted to hospital numerous times, before being taken in again just before Christmas. When she revealed the tragic death of her "darling husband", Kate wrote a poignant tribute on her Instagram, saying: "Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."
