TV presenter Kate Garraway has celebrated her first birthday since the death of her husband Derek Draper, as she opens up about her life as a widow.
The Good Morning Britain host offered an insight into her private grief by saying that initially, she felt like curling up and crying.
Fortunately she was joined by friends and loved ones who presented her with a birthday spread including tea and cake.
Writing in the caption she said: “Well yesterday was another one of those sad firsts- my first birthday sine Derek’s passing. Woke up feeling so sad and thought well, I can either cry all day or celebrate life as he did so well.”
"And thanks to wonderful friends it worked! See you on @gmb tomorrow from 6 - happy bank holiday weekend everyone!"
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The ITV star's fans rushed to the comments section to wish her well on her special day as well as reassure her that Derek was still with her in spirit.
One social media user said: "Happy Birthday, the last candle was Derek - letting you know he's always there @kategarraway."
Meanwhile another said: "Happy Birthday @kategarraway. These days can be so tough but I feel our loved ones would want us to keep smiling and raise a glass x." Somebody else said: "We love you @kategarraway you are so strong and we are all behind you. Thinking of you on this hard day x."
Indeed just days before, Kate had walked the red carpet for the first time since she lost Derek, at the Variety Awards where she was presented with a silver heart for outstanding contribution for TV and radio.
Beneath a collage of photos shared to social media, the mother of two wrote: “ My first red carpet since Derek’s passing and what an event. I was so pleased to have an invite but then to actually win an award was an incredibly honour, I guesse if you cling on long enough, you eventually make a contribution.”
The actress Sheridan Smith praised her courage by commenting: “You’re incredible. We all jumped to our feet for you. I am in awe of your strength and resilience and being the fantastic mum that you are.”
The former political lobbyist died in January, aged 56, following years of serious health complications caused by Coronovirus.
He was thought to have been to be one of the UK’s longest-suffering Covid patients, having spent 13 months in hospital after contracting the virus in 2020.
