Kate Garraway: what did GMB presenter say in NTA Awards speech - and what is documentary Finding Derek about?

The National Television Awards aired last night (9 September), a night of happiness, celebration and tribute for those who produce, direct and star in television productions.

Among those who won an award for their contribution to television, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway won an award for her documentary, Finding Derek.

The documentary was highly acclaimed for its emotional insight into her husband’s recovery from Covid, how the illness affected her family and the long recovery process for those who survived the illness but were impacted significantly by it.

So, what did Garraway say as she accepted her award, what other documentaries were nominated for the category - and what is Finding Derek about?

What is Finding Derek about?

Finding Derek is a documentary produced in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. It is fronted by GMB presenter and Smooth radio host Kate Garraway and tells the story of her family as her husband, Derek Draper, battles the repercussions of Covid.

The 54 year old allowed cameras into her last year, as she attempted to juggle the tragic illness which had overtaken Derek’s body, while raising their two children - Darcey and William, and working as a broadcaster.

Derek was struck down with coronavirus at the very beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, and was treated in ICU.

While he did eventually overcome coronavirus, his body had already begun to shut down and he had slipped into a coma. In the months following, his kidneys failed, his liver and lungs were left damaged and his heart and pancreas were malfunctioning.

Speaking about her husband back in July 2020, Garraway said: “Derek is the sickest person the team of doctors in the lung hospital have treated, who has lived. His kidneys have failed, his liver’s failed. His heart is being supported by medicine.”

He is thought to be the UK’s longest surviving coronavirus inpatient, spending over a year in hospital.

Derek is now home with his family, but still requires around the clock care.