Inside Kate Garraways husband Dereks secret trip to Mexico for specialist treatment

Kate Garraway has opened up about the secret trip to Mexico she took with her husband Derek Draper in a bid to access specialist treatment.

Good Morning Britain host Kate, 54, revealed that the couple flew 11,000 miles to Mexico after a world-renowned US doctor contacted her and arranged for Derek, 54, to visit a specialist clinic in Monterrey.

Derek, who shares children Darcey, 15, and Billy, 12, with Kate, contracted COVID-19 in 2020. The virus has left him battling a number of ongoing health issues.

The dad-of-two spent a year in hospital before returning to the family home in April 2021, and now needs round the clock care from both his wife and care workers.

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Kate created a documentary, Finding Derek, last year, which gave viewers a glimpse into his ongoing health battles.

After the documentary aired, a doctor got in contact with Kate and helped arrange for her and Derek to travel to the specialist clinic in Mexico, after travel restrictions were lifted.

54-year-old Derek had to undergo a series of tests before being able to fly, with Kate saying: “He was quite a nervous flyer anyway. So you can imagine how draining and overwhelming this must have been for him.

“But he was amazing, and was aware of what was going on the whole time. I’m so proud of him.”

The TV host revealed that the trip provided a lot of 'positives', and she is optimistic there will eventually be a 'happy ending' for Derek.

Speaking about the trip, Kate said: “It took weeks and weeks of planning, and when I told Derek about this place he was excited. He is just so desperate to get better – he will do anything he can to make that happen.

“But I’m just so desperate to be able to give a happy ending – for Derek mainly, but also for everybody who asks me every day how he’s getting on.

“I’m desperate to be able to tell them he’s getting better… But of course he’s not out of the woods yet. It’s hard to say how the treatment went so far, as it’s very early in the treatment programme and he will need much more.”

According to The Sun, Derek's early brain scan showed bright white patches, which are more commonly seen in patients with vascular dementia, one neurologist said.

Kate added: “We are also still waiting for final analysis of all the scans, but I like that there were a lot of positives.”

As experts do not know the full extent of the long-term effects of coronavirus yet, a diagnosis is yet to be agreed.

However, The Sun has also claimed that Derek is set to return to Mexico next month, this time for a 28-day stay at the specialist clinic.

The longer stay will reportedly enable doctors to monitor his brain, liver and lung function. But Kate has said she is weary of saying too much about the treatment he will undergo, as she does not want to offer 'false hope' to anyone who 'might be in a similar position'.

Kate's second documentary, Caring For Derek, will showcase the recent developments. It's set to air on 22 February.

Kate revealed details about the upcoming documentary on Instagram, where she explained how she had 'thought long and hard about letting cameras in our lives again', but wanted to 'shine a light' on issues that effect others.

The GMB presenter said: “#Tonight on @itv at 9pm #CaringforDerek airs. I thought long and hard about letting cameras into our lives again because as with the 1st one #FindingDerek I wanted it to offer more than just sharing what my family has been through.

“I wanted it to also shine a light on issues that I know effect all of you. I pray it gives hope to everyone who is battling on with whatever life has thrown at you. The heroes of this documentary are the carers , doctors & nurses who are giving Derek the chance to even try to recover.”

“I salute the carers everywhere who fight on for their loved ones. Do let me know what you think,” she added.

Caring for Derek will air on Tuesday 22 February at 9pm on ITV.

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