Kate Garraway praised by GMB co-host Ben Shephard for her ‘eternal optimism and positivity’ during Derek’s Covid battle
BEN Shephard has praised Kate Garraway for her “eternal optimism and positivity” during her husband Derek Draper’s coronavirus battle. He reflected on Kate’s difficult year and their friendship ahead of Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes Awards which celebrates people working to end loneliness. Ben said: “There is not a day when I don’t think […]
BEN Shephard has praised Kate Garraway for her “eternal optimism and positivity” during her husband Derek Draper’s coronavirus battle.
He reflected on Kate’s difficult year and their friendship ahead of Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes Awards which celebrates people working to end loneliness.
Ben said: “There is not a day when I don’t think about her and what is happening that day and whether I can do something to help her today. There is not a moment when I’m working with her where that admiration tarnishes.
“Kate is so brilliant and professional and we have fun so you sometimes forget the relentless journey that they are on at the moment. We all want to know what the outcome is going to be and that is the hardest thing, not knowing. It is so, so difficult and her eternal optimism and positivity is something that we can all look at.
“It is something that I use to inspire me as well. In 2021, I will undoubtedly be more optimistic and positive, because of my friendship with Kate and how much I admire her.”
The 1 Million Minute Awards, hosted by Kate and Ben, will take place virtually on December 17th.
The campaign this year focused on ‘missed moments’ in lockdown, which struck a personal chord for Kate and her kids Darcey, 14, and Billy, 12, who are yet to welcome Derek home from hospital after he got sick in March.
She said: “There have been so many missed moments haven’t there?
“There was my birthday and then Billy’s birthday and Derek’s birthday… all those moments. Trying to make the most of them over Zoom and FaceTime.”
Kate previously told The Sun that Derek had said his first word since he entered a coma – but she feels “physically sick” at the thought of spending Christmas without him.
The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign
THIS Christmas we are teaming up with the Together Campaign, a coalition of community groups and organisations, and Royal Voluntary Service to combat loneliness.
And we want to recruit an army of volunteers to support those feeling cut off, anxious and isolated, this Christmas.
Could YOU reach out to someone who might be struggling and alone?
It might be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.
Or we can connect you with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder programme run by the NHS, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app.
Could you give up half an hour to make a call and chat with someone feeling isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential shopping or festive treats?
Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/christmastogether to sign up as a volunteer.
You will then receive an email taking you through the sign up process and be asked to download the responder app which will match you to those in need in your area.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a job straight away, because jobs are matched according to the need local to you. Being ready to help is what really matters.
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And on Christmas during the pandemic, Ben said: “There is no question it will not feel the same this year. It won’t be the same.
“My heart will go out to people who can’t be with the family they want to be with and equally I will be very conscious of Kate and Bill and Darcey and what they are going through.”
Watch Good Morning Britain on ITV weekdays from 6am. To pledge your support to GMB’s 1 Million Minutes Awards go to: ITV.com/1MillionMinutes