Susanna Reid sends emotional message to Kate Garraway as husband Derek fights for life in hospital
SUSANNA Reid has paid an emotional tribute to Kate Garraway and her husband Derek.
The Good Morning Britain anchor took to X today as her friend keeps vigil at seriously ill Derek's bedside after he suffered a heart attack.
Susanna wrote: "Sending all my love and strength to @kategarraway and Derek. Two of the strongest people I know [love heart]."
On today's GMB, Charlotte Hawkins, Richard Madeley, Ranvir Singh and Dr Hilary Jones all paid tribute to the couple.
Charlotte told viewers: "We wanted to start with an update. You have seen that Derek, Kate's husband, is sadly very poorly at the moment.
"We want to let Derek, Kate and the whole family know we are thinking of them, and that we're sending them our very best wishes"
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Solemn Richard said: "It is a very difficult time"
Charlotte then added: "Extremely difficult. Lots of love."
Later in the morning, Ranvir Singh called Kate a "warrior" as she and Dr Hilary sent her their best wishes live on Lorraine.
And fans of Kate's have also rallied around her and left messages of support on social media.
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One replied to Susanna's message: "Derek just seems amazing, so brave. I hope he has the mental strength to pull through this. Sending love to the whole family, particularly their children. Must be such an awful time for them."
Another said: "Sending nothing but love and best wishes to Kate, Derek, and the children."
A third wrote: "Oh dear! Speedy recovery to Derek & strength to Kate & family."
The popular presenter has cancelled all of her TV and radio work to keep a 24-7 vigil, taking an indefinite leave of absence from presenting.
Derek, 56, who was struck down with Covid in 2020, is bravely battling this latest setback, after being taken dangerously ill last Monday.
Friends and family have been alerted to his worsening condition.
A source said: “Everyone is praying for a miracle.
“Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
“This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
"Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
Derek was first rushed to hospital with Covid in March 2020.
After falling into a coma and being put on a ventilator, he spent 13 months in hospital — making him Britain’s longest suffering coronavirus victim.
He has since battled a variety of health problems. The virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and liver and pancreas damage.
One brain scan last year showed white patches, usually seen in patients with vascular dementia.
He has undergone a series of inconclusive lung tests and still has difficulty breathing unaided.
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After moving back to the family’s North London home, Kate was forced to spend thousands adapting it to accommodate her ailing husband.
She has also had to pay for round-the-clock carers and physios.
