Kate Garraway was supported by fans as she issued a “sad” plea. The Good Morning Britain star, 57, has previously spoken candidly about caring for her late husband, Derek Draper, who died in January after suffering serious complications from Coronavirus.
The TV presenter took to Instagram to remind her followers about Carers Week as she addressed the challenges faced by carers around the UK.
Kate shared a video of herself in a taxi on her way to work alongside a lengthy caption, writing: “Hello all, I want to remind you all that this is Carers Week. Carers Week is a national event to recognise and celebrate more than six million of the unpaid family and friend carers we have currently in and around the UK.
The broadcaster continued: “This year, the theme of Carers week is putting carers on the map, acknowledging the vital roles that they play in society, empowering them to adequately care for themselves, whilst they are dedicating their lives to caring for others.
“Sadly I am no longer a carer for Derek but the last four years showed me what a wonderful and testing role it is. This week, I spoke to one charity, Carers First, who are dedicated to offering support and help to thousands of carers around the country.”
Kate revealed the charity discovered that over 70% of carers “don’t feel recognised or supported”, demanding: “This has to change.”
The mum-of-two added: “Unpaid carers save our economy £162 billion each year – that’s the cost of a second NHS, yet the support for them seems to be dwindling. Trying to balance employment, finances and even their own wellbeing – all of these challenges become impossible without the right help.”
Issuing a plea with her 1.3 million followers, the ITV star went on: “It’s time to put all carers on the map because let’s remember all of us at some point will either NEED care or BE a carer. Let’s acknowledge the crucial role they play in society, empowering them to adequately care for themselves, whilst they are dedicating their lives to caring for others.”
Viewers rushed to support Kate in the comments, with one writing: “You did a brilliant job looking after Derek , I was an unpaid carer looking after my late mama who Alzheimer’s the local doctors where useless didn’t understand the condition , it’s awful we have to lose someone for people to realise what your going through x.”
Another penned: “Thank you Kate , I’m one of those unpaid carers and it’s just not easy is it.” A third echoed: “Just so heartfelt & you are so amazing to continue to acknowledge ball that carers do. You are incredible despite all of your own personal challenges you have been through.”
Kate cared for her late husband Derek up until his death and has produced a series of documentaries to highlight their journey and the situation faced by other carers.
In March, Kate opened up about the financial strain she’s been facing since Derek’s death. The newsreader explained: “Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV and that’s before you pay for a mortgage, before you pay for any household bills, before you pay for anything for the kids.”
“So we’re at a crunch point. I am in debt and I can’t earn enough money to cover my debt because I’m managing Derek’s care. And I can’t even use the money I do have to support Derek’s recovery because it’s going on the basics all the time.”
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