3 days Ago By Holly Fleet
Kate Garraway was seen enjoying a day of fun at a vibrant fairground at the annual winter attraction in London, accompanied by her two children, Darcey and Billy. This December marked a bittersweet occasion for the family, as it was their first Christmas without Kate's husband, Derek Draper, who sadly passed away in January 2024 after a prolonged battle with health issues stemming from Covid . On this chilly day, Kate dressed warmly, donning a cosy padded beige jacket that shielded her from the winter air.
She topped her look off with a playful pink hat, adding a touch of cheer to her outfit. Her daughter, Darcey, showcased her individual style with chic ear muffs that complemented her warm attire, radiating joy as she engaged in various activities. Kate carried a stylish brown leather bag, enhancing her look with sophistication.
Her blonde hair flowed in loose waves, framing her face and reflecting her spirit despite the circumstances. Darcey was truly in her element as she stood at the dartboard, her eyes sparkling with excitement and concentration. With a radiant smile illuminating her face, she focused intently on her target, her arm poised gracefully as she took a deep breath before throwing.
With remarkable precision, she landed the dart perfectly, securing a victory over her mother. The thrill of triumph surged through her as she was awarded a large, soft, and cuddly toy, which she enveloped in her arms, proudly showcasing her well-deserved prize to everyone around. On the other side of the room, little Billy was a bundle of energy, his joy bubbling over as he witnessed his mother’s success in the water pistol challenge.
His face was lit up with sheer delight, and without hesitation, he bounded over to her and offered an exuberant high five. Meanwhile, Kate found herself reflecting on the upcoming festive period, as she shared the challenges that lay ahead for their family in the wake of her husband Derek's passing. The weight of his absence loomed heavily, especially during this season traditionally filled with joy and togetherness.
Yet, amidst her sadness, she held onto hope, expressing her eagerness to create "new memories" with her children. Derek had fought a long and arduous battle against the coronavirus , emerging as one of the country’s longest-suffering patients. His struggle lasted over a year, during which he remained in the hospital, enduring countless treatments and complications.
Despite his fierce resilience and spirit, the virus left him with devastating, long-lasting damage to his organs. "This Christmas will be difficult, as all the firsts are, but I've said to the kids, 'Let's do what feels right, do some new things and make new memories'", she told Woman & Home. Kate continued: "You've got to try and let things evolve into new memories, and I'm going to be led by them.
"It will be our first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest, the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we've also had the joy of having Derek there with us. "I hope I won't be blubbing all day, but I'm sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcey and Billy because it's been a tough few years for them.
Maybe they'll think, 'At least Dad's out of pain'.".
