Kate Garraway pays tribute to late husband Derek Draper on first Father’s Day since his death as she visits his grave with children Darcey and Billy

Kate Garraway paid tribute to late husband Derek Draper on Monday after visiting his grave with her children on their first Father’s Day since his death.

The former political lobbyist died on January 3 at the age of 56 after a long battle with COVID-19, and Kate, 57, admitted they made sure the day was dedicated to his memory.

The Good Morning Britain presenter shared a never-before-seen photo of himself and Derek with their children, Darcey, 18, and Billy, 14, and revealed the day started with a visit to the cemetery.

She wrote: ‘So yesterday was one of those days that the kids and I knew would be tough. The day when everyone wants to celebrate their daddy.

‘We started with an early visit to Derek’s grave – talking about all the great things we loved about him, the crazy things he did to make us laugh and all the things he gave us that we will never forget.’

Kate Garraway paid tribute to late husband Derek Draper on Monday after visiting his grave with her children on their first Father’s Day since his death

Kate also shared photos of her own father, a retired civil servant, adding: ‘We have so much to be grateful for. We are also so grateful to still have my amazing dad in our lives, and Derek’s dad too. Brilliant dad and grandpa.’

The presenter, who also works as a DJ at Global Radio, revealed she spent the rest of her day at the Capital Summertime Ball, but admitted her attendance was bittersweet.

“It was sad to come home and not see Derek waiting to ‘hear all about it,’ like he always said,” she wrote. ‘But it’s so great that we had it at all.

“I know yesterday would have been a tough day for so many, so here’s to getting through it and let’s celebrate all the amazing dads and father figures and what they give to us every day.”