Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Contents
Kate Garraway’s husband, Derek Draper, passed away at the age of 56 due to complications arising from COVID-19. Derek contracted the virus in March 2020 during the early days of the pandemic in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, he faced a severe case of long COVID, leading to a 13-month hospitalization. Derek’s health deteriorated further, resulting in complications that eventually led to a cardiac arrest in December 2024.
Despite the efforts of medical teams, Derek Draper succumbed to the effects of the virus on January 5, 2024. Kate Garraway, who had been updating the public on Derek’s health struggles, expressed her gratitude for the medical teams and thanked those who supported their family during this challenging time.
Reflect on the legacies and influence of remarkable individuals through our thought-provoking obituary articles on Centralalive. Gain a deeper understanding of their impactful experiences and the positive change they brought about, inspiring us to follow in their footsteps.
Derek William Draper, born on August 15, 1967, was an English political advisor and lobbyist. He gained attention for his involvement in political scandals, notably the “Lobbygate” scandal in 1998, where he was caught on tape boasting about selling access to government ministers.
Draper shifted his career toward psychotherapy and authored books such as “Blair’s 100 Days” and “Life Support.” In his later career, he faced controversies related to leaked emails and his role as the editor of the LabourList website. Despite the challenges, Derek Draper remained a notable figure with a diverse professional background.
Name |
Derek Draper |
Born |
15 August 1967 |
Birthplace |
Chorley, Lancashire, England |
Died |
5 January 2024 |
Aged |
56 |
Occupation(s) |
Lobbyist and psychotherapist |
Political Party |
Labour |
Spouse |
Kate Garraway (m. 2005) |
Children |
2 |
Derek Draper’s career spanned various roles in politics and media. Beginning in 1990 as a constituency secretary, he worked for politicians like Nick Brown and Peter Mandelson. Draper later became a director at the lobbying firm GPC Market Access, where he set up the New Labour organization Progress.
In the late 1990s, he worked as the Political Editor of the Modern Review, a columnist for the Daily Express, and a presenter on Talk Radio UK. The “Lobbygate” scandal in 1998 led to his dismissal from the Daily Express, and he faced a period of shunning by Labour insiders. After leaving politics, Draper retrained as a psychotherapist and engaged in writing columns for newspapers and magazines.
Derek Draper was married to television presenter Kate Garraway in 2005, and the couple had two children together. The family faced a challenging period when Derek contracted COVID-19 in March 2020, leading to a prolonged hospitalization. Kate Garraway consistently shared updates about Derek’s health on various platforms. In the face of his serious health issues, the family received round-the-clock care, and Kate took a leave of absence from work to prioritize her husband and children.
Derek Draper’s net worth at the time of his death was reported to be $15 million. His earnings were accumulated through a successful career that included roles as a political advisor, lobbyist, and later as a psychotherapist. Draper’s diverse career, which involved working for Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson and establishing the LabourList website, contributed to his financial success.
Derek Draper’s health struggles began in March 2020 when he contracted COVID-19, leading to a prolonged hospitalization and intensive care. After nearly a year in the hospital, he returned home on a trial basis in April 2021, but his health challenges persisted. Despite opening his eyes, he remained immobile and continued to require round-the-clock care. In December 2024, Draper suffered a cardiac arrest, leading to his readmission to the hospital in a very serious condition.
Derek Draper died on January 5, 2024, at the age of 56. The cause of death was related to complications arising from his battle with COVID-19. The virus had taken a severe toll on his organs, and the cardiac arrest in December 2024 further exacerbated his health issues, ultimately leading to his passing. His wife, Kate Garraway, shared the news of his death and expressed gratitude for the medical teams who fought to save him.
TRENDING
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.