Kate Carraway is the first to admit that Christmas is going to be “hard” without her late husband Derek Draper.
During a candid chat with the December issue of Women & Home, The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, said it's been a “difficult” Christmas, but she's looking forward to making “new memories” with her children Darcy, 18. years old, and Billy, 15.
Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at age 56 from complications of COVID-19, nearly four years after contracting the respiratory virus.
He was one of the country's longest-suffering coronavirus patients and was hospitalized for more than a year, but never fully recovered after the virus caused long-term damage to his organs.
Kate admits that the holiday season can be painful, but she wants to cherish new beginnings.
Kate Carraway has admitted her first Christmas without her late husband Derek Draper will be “difficult”.
Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at age 56 from complications of COVID-19, nearly four years after falling ill with the respiratory virus (pictured in 2019).
“This Christmas is going to be tough with all the firsts, but I told the kids, 'Let's do what feels right, let's do some new things, make some new memories,'” she said.
“You have to try to let things become new memories, and they will guide me.”
The TV favorite recalled the recent Christmases before Derek's tragic death, which were very “challenging” due to his illness.
'This is the first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest, the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we have enjoyed having Derek with us.
“I hope I'm not banging on all day, but I'm sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcy and Billy because it's been a tough few years for them. They might think, 'At least Dad doesn't feel sorry anymore.' pain”.
He couldn't help but fondly remember the fond Christmas memories the family shared, including the trip to Derek's parents' house in Chorley, where they appreciated all the Christmas lights in the town as we passed them.
Cat it was before Darcy paid tribute to her father Derek after receiving her A-level results in August, seven months after his death.
Darcy made sure his father was with him by packing a family photo taken before his illness in March 2020 and one of his favorite Panama hats.
Kate said it will be a difficult Christmas, but she hopes to make “new memories” with her children Darcy, 18, and Billy, 15.
Sharing a video of the teens' outing with her Instagram followers, Kate revealed a photo of Darcy wearing the hat at Wimbledon in the back seat of her car sitting on the pavement outside her north London home.
Captioning the clip, he wrote: 'Just like that it was gone! That helpless little baby we brought home from the hospital 18 years ago has gone to #uni!
'Like thousands of other parents, this weekend I was playing Jenga and loading everything into the car. Thank you my dear Victor, you have a great boot!
He added: “It's such an emotional time on so many levels and boy is there peace at home.” But Darcy, we couldn't be prouder to begin this new chapter in your life and know that your dad will be with you every step of the way.
Good Morning Britain co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins commented on the post: “Good luck Darcy, have a great time!”
TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: “I wish your daughter all the happiness in the world in her new adventure.”
Meanwhile, Carol Wright, mother of former The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark and Jessica, and young model Natalya, wrote: “I wish him all the luck in the world.” But your pride and heart hurt when one of them leaves your house.
'I've had three holidays so far and every time I cry and feel empty. There is one more missing, which I cling to with every part of me, but I know that she will be out soon because it is part of freedom and growth. Happy college days to Darcy.
Darcy received her results in August and Good Morning Britain star Kate, who is also mother to son Billy, admitted she had “done the best she could” with the youngster after a difficult year for the family.
In a lengthy post, Kate said Derek would be “proud” of his daughter and shared that they visited her grave. Share your results with him.
On DP Instagram, he wrote: 'Congratulations to everyone who got #levelresults this week – great achievement – even if you're disappointed with the results – don't be – you made it to the end and life is a journey. . It works in the best way for you.
'Darcy received her results for the first time this year – Derek's birthday. She didn't understand what they would have done, but under the circumstances, they had done better than any of us had feared.
'I couldn't be more proud of her and I know her father would be too. We went to Dad's grave before she celebrated with her friends.
She added: 'I'm home and noticed the roses I planted with @itv @loveyourgarden especially for Derek so we're taking him on a wheel to smell them and suddenly he's blooming! . They do not bloom all summer.
“So I raise a cup of tea to Minta and Derek and enjoy the overwhelming aroma – we love it, we did – thanks to your love and guidance, your beautiful daughter is moving on to the next stage of her life and you will live through her.
'Love to all and #Saturday to all!!!!'
