Kate Garraway has urged people to ‘hug their loved ones close’ after she suffered the death of Derek Draper.

On Friday, the Good Morning Britain presenter announced that her husband Draper had died at the age of 56 shortly after suffering from cardiac arrest.

The former political lobbyist was understood to be Britain’s longest-surviving patient with Covid-19, having first contracted the virus in March 2020, which led to a series of serious health complications.

On Monday’s GMB, which was being hosted by Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid, the latter shared that on Sunday, Garraway wrote an email that she wanted viewers of the ITV programme to hear.

In the statement, which was recorded by Reid, Garraway expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support she and her family have received, including the children that she shares with Draper, 17-year-old Darcey and 11-year-old Billy.

‘Hello everyone. Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages that you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy and all of Derek’s family,’ the message began.

Good Morning Britain opened with a tribute for the late Derek Draper (Picture: ITV)

‘They are an extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can feel so isolating.

‘And that is the wonderful thing, isn’t it, about our Good Morning Britain family? That all of us on the team and all of you watching at home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life, knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we shared too.’

Garraway said that she feels ‘certain’ that the support that she and Draper received ‘has sustained us through these tough nearly four years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those that can’t fight for themselves, and it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come’.

The 56-year-old continued: ‘I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain, to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again.

‘I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. My family is so grateful that we could be with our dearest Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share. Maybe you too are going through grief yourself or have done in the past. I send love and support to you too.

The message from Garraway was read out on the programme by her colleague Reid (Picture: ITV)

‘We are taking time to heal ourselves now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle. I shall be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close. All my love, Kate.’

After Garraway’s message was read out, Reid, 53, appeared to become choked up as she emphasised the ‘unwavering devotion’ that her colleague has shown to her late husband.

‘It’s absolute classic Kate that in a circumstance that is so deeply painful for her and her family, she thinks of absolutely everyone else who might be in the same situation or who has already suffered loss,’ the presenter said.

‘Kate’s unwavering devotion to Derek and her determination to help him recover from the devastating consequences of Covid has imprinted itself on everyone who knows her and also the whole nation, from the Royal Family to the country’s political leaders, and from those who work in medicine of course to those who work in showbiz. And to so many of who watching now.’

More to follow.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Her powerful message was read by her colleague, Susanna Reid.