Kate Garraway spotted for the first time since husband Derek Draper's death

The Good Morning Britain presenter met up and shared a hug with friends, as she was seen for the first time since the tragic death of her husband Derek Draper.

Kate Garraway braved a smile as she was spotted for the first time since the sad death of her husband Derek Draper as the Good Morning Britain star shared a hug and met up with some friends following a very difficult month.

The ITV host, 56, was sporting a beige coloured knitted beanie hat alongside a thick pink winter coat and matching scarf as she was pictured meeting up with pals in photos and greeted with a huge hug from a friend.

It has been a difficult month for the mum-of-two following the death of Derek, with his funeral approaching next Friday as she put on a brave front and seemed to be smiling broadly in the pictures that were obtained by the Mirror.

Kate stuck by her husband until he died providing him with round the clock care after his health declined with Covid and he was hospitalised for months which resulted in him being put into a coma after his internal organs began to shut down.

Next week will undoubtedly be another battle for the 56-year-old as she comes to terms with the tragic loss at Derek's funeral. The couple share two children together eldest Darcey, aged 17, and their youngest, Billy, aged 11.

Derek was eventually discharged from hospital and allowed to come home after Kate made the appropriate adaptations in the family home so he could continue his treatment surrounded by loved ones.

However he sadly passed away aged 56 as a result of complications from contracting the virus and a heart attack. A source told The Sun: "It's been an incredibly emotional few weeks for the whole family. Kate and Derek's two children, Darcey and Billy, have, of course, been hit extremely hard, and Kate has been stoically trying to hold things together for their sake. She has been an absolute rock."

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Announcing the news of Derek's death, a heartbroken Kate said issuing a statement on Instagram at the time: "I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible."

Kate also thanked those who had sent messages of support over the four years that Derek was battling Covid and related complications. She wrote: "Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."

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