KATE Garraway has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband Derek Draper on the first Father's Day since his passing.
The Good Morning Britain anchor's spouse tragically died aged 56 in January, following four years of health struggles.
He left behind Kate, 57 - who has previously told of her struggles at being termed a widower - as well as their children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 14.
Their daughter was a pallbearer for Derek's funeral in February and the ITV stalwart has now revealed how they are faring following their first Father's Day without him.
She took to her Instagram page to post an adorable snap showing the family on holiday when their brood were younger.
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Kate also warmed hearts as she shared snaps of her own father and Derek's dad.
In a brave caption she opened up to put: "So yesterday was one of those days the kids and I knew would be tough - Father's Day - the day when everyone wants to celebrate their daddy."
Continuing to detail their day - and how they paid tribute to their former political lobbyist parent - she continued: "We started by visiting Derek’s grave early - and talked about all the amazing things we loved about him, the daft things he did to make us laugh and all the things he has given us that we’ll never forget.
"We have so much to be grateful for.
"We’re also so grateful to still have my amazing dad in our lives and Derek’s dad too >>> Brilliant Papa & Grandad.
"Then thanks to my fab @global family we went to the #capitalsummertimeball - an amazing day of music & summer joy.
"It was sad coming home & not finding Derek waiting to hear 'all about it' as he used to say.
"But so wonderful that we had him at all.
"I know for so many yesterday would have been a tough day so here’s to getting through and let’s celebrate all the wonderful fathers and father figures and what they gift us everyday."
She finished her message by encouraging her followers to share love and gratitude and to "celebrate life."
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OPENING UP
Kate hasn't been afraid in addressing the physical and mental impacts of her grief.
On a recent episode of GMB, she fought back tears as she chatted to Carry On actress Anita Harris, who lost her husband Mike Margolis last year.
The Smooth FM anchor also told of her shock after she was referred to as a "widower" saying the term of address "took my breath away."
It came after a well-meaning Amazon deliveryman dropped off a parcel at her North London home.
Fans have branded the ITV daytime show anchor "so strong" amid her juggle with work duties and a new family dynamic.
She has also bluntly told of the financial costs of caring for her late husband, and the implications for her pension.
Her care costs for Derek were previously estimated to be around the £800k mark.
SAD PASSING
Derek died aged 56 following a heart attack, after his health was devastated by Covid.
He was one of the UK's longest suffering patients of Covid, with Kate filming a variety of documentaries on his battle,
After his initial diagnosis he fought an array of further health problems.
These were sparked after the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
Kate paid her last respects at Derek's funeral in February, during which she made a touching tribute to her late spouse.
