The father-of-two passed away at the beginning of this year after a long battle with COVID-19.
Kate Garraway has shared a touching tribute to her late husband Derek Draper on the day their daughter received her A Level results.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, the Good Morning Britain presenter revealed that her daughter Darcey visited her father’s grave to share her A Level results with him.
Derek Draper passed away in January at the age of 56.
The established author and former political adviser had been living with extreme long-term health complications from Covid since testing positive for the disease in March 2020.
The virus had left him with extensive damage to his organs and needed daily care, but he was able to return home from hospital in April 2021.
In August 2022, Garraway revealed that her husband had been rushed back in to hospital with “severe life threatening sepsis”.
In December of last year, Draper reportedly suffered a heart attack which had left him in a “very serious condition.” He died a month later.
In a video shared online on Saturday showcasing the flowers in her garden, Garraway wrote: “Congratulations to all who got their #alevel results this week – huge achievement – even if you’re disappointed in the results – don’t be – you made it to the end and life has a way of working itself out in the best way for you.
“Darcey got her results on another one of those firsts this year – Derek’s birthday. She didn’t get what she might have done but hey did better than any of us feared under the circumstances.
“I couldn’t be prouder of her & know her Dad would be too. We went to Dad’s grave to “tell” him before she went out to celebrate with friends. I’m at home & just noticed the roses I planted with @itv @loveyourgarden especially for Derek so we could wheel him out to enjoy the fragrance have suddenly burst into bloom!
“They haven’t flowered all summer. So am just enjoying the incredible fragrance combined with the mint & raising a mug of tea to Derek – darling we did it – your beautiful daughter is on her way to her next stage in life thanks to your love & guidance and you will live on through her. Love to all & #happysaturday everyone!”
Kate’s 1.3 million followers flooded the comment section as they offered kind words of support.
One follower wrote: “Your little family is always in my thoughts. You are doing so well.”
A second added: “Well done Darcey your dad would be so proud of her and no matter what your dad is always with you in your heart. So all the best to you. A fourth shared: “Beautiful comments about Derek and your daughter and what lovely roses.”
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One other person commented: “Oh that is poignant. Best of luck Darcy with whatever you decide to do next.”
In March, the 57-year-old broadcaster released a documentary giving viewers an insight into what life was like for her and her husband in the year leading up to his passing.
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story was broadcast on ITV and left many viewers in tears.
