Kate Garraway supports her frail husband Derek Draper during a rare outing to the pub as she 'plans a trip across the world to find pioneering treatment'
Kate Garraway supported her frail husband Derek Draper as they headed to a pub for lunch on Sunday.
It is a rare outing for former political lobbyist Derek, 55, who has faced devastating health complications after his body was ravaged by coronavirus three years ago.
The couple showed their strength and determination as they made their journey to their local - which is no easy feat as Kate revealed last month there are days where Derek simply 'cannot do anything'.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 55, is reportedly planning a trip across the world to find pioneering treatment as a 'last hope'.
During their outing, they were joined by a carer who pushed Derek's wheelchair, while Kate ensured he kept warm by handing him his leather gloves.
Touching: Kate Garraway supported her frail husband Derek Draper as they headed to a pub for lunch on Sunday
Health battle: It is a rare outing for former political lobbyist Derek, 55, who has faced devastating health complications after his body was ravaged by coronavirus three years ago
Determined: The couple showed their strength and determination as they made their journey to their local
At one point, the TV host rested her hands on his shoulders and offered some words of comfort.
After the meal, Kate was pictured carrying bags of leftovers to bring home, with insiders saying the trip was a big step.
A source told The Sun: 'It was a lovely day out for them. Something others may take for granted, a simple trip to the pub, was a big step for them and they really enjoyed it.'
Kate is reportedly planning a trip across the world for pioneering treatment in a 'final hope' to help her husband.
A source told Bella Magazine: 'This really is Kate’s desperate bid to try and save Derek’s life and she is willing to try anything.
'She’s been looking into a number of experimental medical options around the world and particularly in Mexico in an effort to save him from the devastating effects of Covid-19.
'Kate only wants the best for Derek. She wants to try it because she feels as though it’s her last hope.'
Derek, a former political advisor, has previously travelled to Mexico in 2021 and 2022 for clinical trials.
Willpower: It is no easy feat as Kate revealed last month there are days where Derek simply 'cannot do anything'
Helping hand: During their outing, they were joined by a carer who pushed Derek's wheelchair
Devoted: Kate ensured Derek kept warm by handing him his leather gloves
Chilly: She pulled up his hood as they battled the windy weather
Quality time: A source said: 'It was a lovely day out for them. Something others may take for granted, a simple trip to the pub, was a big step for them and they really enjoyed it'
Outing: After the meal, Kate was pictured carrying bags of leftovers to bring home, with insiders saying the trip was a big step
Heartbreaking: Derek's body was ravaged with various crippling conditions after he contracted Covid and he now remains confined to a bed and wheelchair
Battle: The Good Morning Britain star has cared for Derek ever since he became unwell with Long Covid in 2020 after becoming gravely ill with the virus at the onset of the pandemic
As a result of lockdown rules during the pandemic, Kate and the couple's two children Darcey, 16, and Billy, 13, were unable to visit him as he received treatment.
13 months later, Derek was finally allowed to go home.
However, following the long period of hospitalisation, his body was ravaged with various crippling conditions and he now remains confined to a bed and wheelchair.
While Derek’s long-term chance of recovery is still not known, the 'utter devastation' to his body is undeniable.
Although Kate insisted that they'd had 'wonderful treatment' from the NHS, which were essential in keeping her husband alive, the foreign trips offer 'potentially life saving treatment'.
As well as the trip, the Smooth Radio presenter has had to spend 'tens of thousands of pounds' adapting the family home in London for Derek, which included the installation of ramps, a downstairs wet room and a makeshift downstairs bedroom.
Due to the severity of his illness and length of time spent in hospital he remains unable to walk and has developed debilitating symptoms.
In summer last year, Derek developed sepsis and was again rushed to hospital, where the severe condition nearly killed him.
Speaking about his current condition and caring for him, she told The Sun: 'There are some days where he literally cannot do anything and it's like the computer is switched off.
'He cannot move, and he's in so much pain as we are manipulating him, trying to get him more mobile so that he doesn't regress.'
The presenter noted that despite Derek's insistence that they carry on, she says it's 'unbearable' to see him in pain, admitting it makes her 'emotional' just speaking about it.
However, she added: 'It also makes me fall in love with him all over again because of that spirit, that determination to keep going. Derek is trapped, but he fights on. We cling on to the good days.'
Reflecting on the ups and downs of caring for her husband, Kate remarked that every day is a 'roller coaster' as Derek's spirit 'fluctuates'.
The journalist added that it is 'heart-breaking' to watch her husband of 18 years unable to move with tears streaming down his face, noting that as 'hard' as it is for them, she 'cannot imagine' how tough it is for Derek.
MailOnline has contacted representatives of Kate Garraway for comment.
Tough: Due to the severity of his illness and length of time spent in hospital he remains unable to walk and has developed debilitating symptoms
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