Kate Garraway admits she's 'trying to shift the gloom' following the one year anniversary of husband Derek Draper's death

Kate Garraway has admitted she's trying to 'shift a bit of gloom', just days after the one year anniversary of her husband Derek Draper's death.

Political lobbyist Derek died in January 2024 at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.

And in a new Instagram post, the Good Morning Britain star, 57, shared a snap of her frost covered window as she shared a motivational message following what has no doubt been a difficult period following her loss. 

She penned: 'Boy it’s cold out there - very beautiful though. Trying to shift a bit of gloom by cracking on today with lots of jobs have been putting off and soaking up the beauty of nature while I do it!'

Kate's followers were quick to share comments of support and best wishes, they penned: 'Beautiful pic and great advice Kate..one foot in front of the other and being kind to yourself too at this time of year is key.'

'Good to air your gloom. Hopefully a better day will dawn tomorrow'

'I just want to say you’re so blooming strong and a beacon of light to others. Such an amazing lady. Sending love and light. Have an amazing day'. 

It comes just days after Kate opened up about the 'excessive, unpayable debt' from her late husband's care on the anniversary of his death. 

During a segment on Good Morning Britain, presenter and co-host Adil Ray, 50, spoke to Health Secretary Wes Streeting about the plans for a new National Care Service - which might not be available in England until 2028.

When Derek wasn't in hospital throughout his four-year battle with the virus, he was looked after 24/7 at home by his wife and carers.

With the subject being very close to her heart, Kate told the politician: 'I'm thinking about the situation with Derek. 

'It actually happens to be the one-year anniversary of his death today.

'A day that is only relevant to me. 

'But over the last few weeks, the family and I have been talking about the challenges we faced this time last year, one of the overriding ones, he went back into intensive care before he passed away was dealing with the funding of care.

'At the time of his death, there were two appeals that hadn't been heard for funding.

'It kept being pushed back and pushed back.

'In the meantime I'm lucky I have an incredible job which is well paid. I was having to fund the situation. 

'Now I've got excessive unpayable debt because of it. 

'If I'm in that position what else are people going to be?

'People can't afford four more years of this!'

Politician Wes Streeting replied: 'Firstly Kate, I know lots of viewers will feel the same, having followed your anniversary that you're going through, yourself and your family. All of us are with you.

He added: 'I think that's why your story connected with so many people. 

'You're not just a familiar face on screens, your viewers feel they've got a relationship with you as a presenter. 

'It's also because your experience with Derek, and your family's experience resonates with so many people across the country who are struggling with the same costs or the same unmet needs or similar experiences.' 

Over the past year Kate has revealed that she's ended up in debts of between £500,000 and £800,000 after trying to care for her late husband. 

Back in March 2024, the presenter revealed that she was spending £16,000 a month on care for her late husband. 

The star told Good Morning Britain: 'I am ashamed of the fact I’m in debt. I have an incredible job that I love, that’s very well paid.

'I’m not a carer travelling miles, paying their own transport to go and help somebody for minimum wage.

'I’m somebody that is very well paid and so I just feel a shame that I couldn’t make it work.'