Kate Garraway Says She Can’t Pay ‘Excessive Debt’ for Late Husband’s Care as She Grills Health Secretary Over Labour Plans

Kate Garraway has voiced her frustration and financial struggles over the huge debt she has accumulated while paying for her late husband Derek Draper’s care. 

The Good Morning Britain host confronted Health Secretary Wes Streeting over the government’s delayed plans for social care reform, which may not be delivered until 2028.

Kate’s passionate plea came on the one-year anniversary of Derek’s passing. 

The former political lobbyist died in January 2024 at the age of 56, following a four-year battle with severe health complications caused by COVID-19.

During a live interview on GMB, Kate did not hold back as she described the financial toll of providing round-the-clock care for Derek, 

revealing that her total care costs reached £800,000. Despite having a well-paying job, she admitted that she is now facing “excessive, unpayable debt.”

Kate’s Struggle to Pay for Derek’s Care

Speaking candidly on Good Morning Britain, Kate shared the emotional and financial challenges she endured during Derek’s illness. She explained that her pleas for government support were met with delays and that she was left to fund his care herself.

“I’m thinking about Derek. It happens to be the one-year anniversary of his death today – a day that is only relevant to me,” she began.

She went on to highlight the repeated delays in government support, stating:

“Two separate appeals for funding to help with Derek’s care kept getting pushed back. We never heard the outcome when he was in intensive care.”

Kate described the immense financial burden she faced, despite her successful career:

“I am lucky – I’ve got an incredible job that pays well – but I was having to fund the situation. Now I’ve got excessive, unpayable debt because of it. And if I am in this position, what happens to those who don’t have the same resources? People can’t afford four more years of this.”

Wes Streeting Responds to Kate’s Concerns

During the interview, Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed sympathy for Kate’s situation and acknowledged the financial strain faced by families caring for loved ones.

“All of us are with you as you go through this difficult anniversary,” he told Kate.

Streeting admitted that politicians often shy away from social care discussions due to the high costs involved.

“Whenever we talk about social care, there are always costs involved. That makes people in politics want to run to the hills and stick their heads in the sand because the numbers can be scary.”

He emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration to develop a long-term plan for social care funding, stating:

“I want to create a plan that means whoever is in government after the next election, or the one after that, will keep the same direction on social care – just as we’ve done with the NHS since 1948.”

Ongoing Criticism of Government Social Care Delays

The government’s slow progress in reforming the social care system has sparked widespread frustration, particularly as many families struggle to afford the high costs of private care.

Kate’s blunt criticism comes amid ongoing public backlash against the government’s handling of support for vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners and unpaid carers.

Streeting himself faced further controversy after suggesting that pensioners should “layer up and put the heating on” to cope with winter. His remark was met with outrage, especially after Labour scrapped winter fuel payments for nearly 10 million pensioners last year.

Derek Draper’s Long Battle with COVID-19

Derek Draper’s health struggles began in March 2020 when he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He became one of the UK’s longest-suffering COVID patients, spending over a year in hospital before being discharged to receive care at home.

His condition required constant medical assistance, with Kate juggling work and caregiving responsibilities while also raising their two children, Darcey (18) and Billy (15).

In December 2023, Derek suffered a heart attack, leading to further complications that ultimately resulted in his passing in January 2024.

Kate has since campaigned tirelessly for improved support for unpaid carers and families struggling with social care costs.

Kate’s Fight for Social Care Reform

Kate’s interview with Wes Streeting highlights her determination to bring attention to the crisis in social care funding. She has been open about the emotional and financial impact of Derek’s illness, using her platform to demand action from policymakers.

As she continues her fight, many are now asking:

🔹 Will the government speed up social care reforms?

🔹 How many more families will be burdened with unmanageable debt while waiting for change?

🔹 What support will be provided to unpaid carers in the future?

For now, Kate remains one of the loudest voices in the fight for social care reform, ensuring that no other family has to endure the same financial hardship she has faced.

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