Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an ’emotional’ flight amid her father’s hospital recovery

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

As a compassionate observer, I can’t help but admire Kate Garraway’s indomitable spirit and resilience. Her recent ordeal with her father’s illness is yet another testament to her strength, which she has shown time and again throughout her life.


On Saturday, Kate Garraway expressed gratitude on Instagram towards Virgin Atlantic for their assistance during her father’s illness.

As a seasoned presenter myself, I understand the importance of planning and organization, especially when it comes to organizing a special event like a 15th birthday celebration. However, life can throw unexpected curveballs, as I’ve learned from my own experiences. In this case, the Good Morning Britain presenter was met with an unforeseen situation when Kate’s father was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago. This sudden turn of events forced her to make last-minute changes to her plans, a reminder that our lives are not always in our control. I can empathize with the stress and disappointment she may be feeling, but also appreciate her resilience and adaptability in handling this unexpected situation.

Currently, the 57-year-old isn’t revealing details about her birthday plans. However, she recently shared a post on Instagram, acknowledging Wendy from Virgin Atlantic and using the hashtag “#tea&sympathy”.

In the airport lounge, Wendy was spotted filling a teacup for Kate, followed by both women smiling broadly while taking a selfie.

Kate posted the photos with an emotional message, saying: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the terrific group – and Wendy – for making my son Bill’s birthday extraordinary.”

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

Due to the recent events with my father, it became necessary for me to prioritize being with him and my mother. This meant cancelling various plans as I was concerned about potentially letting down Bill once more and missing out on our summer activities together.

“Appreciation goes out to the remarkable logistics minds at Virgin, whose plans resembled a spider’s web – amazing work!”

‘I have managed to keep plates spinning & grab some joy in between.’ 

The mother-of-two kept on conveying her appreciation to the team for their empathy: “However, what I appreciate the most is a heartfelt thank you for truly understanding and recognizing that the unique experience of this journey matters just as much as reaching the end point.”

‘Your kindness has made an emotional flight so special.’

Around two weeks back, following her absence from her regular spots on Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio, Kate disclosed that her father had experienced a potential stroke or heart attack, as he suddenly fell ill.

Kate travelled to the South West to stay with family in Cornwall. 

In the course of my recent updates, I found myself sharing some distressing news. Earlier this week, while spending time together in Cornwall with his partner, my dear sister, and our beloved brother, I experienced a heartbreaking moment – my father took ill.

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery
Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

As a seasoned nurse with years of experience under my belt, I have seen my fair share of medical emergencies. The scene that unfolded before me was one I would not soon forget – a patient found unconscious, his face as pale as a ghost’s. My instincts kicked in, and I sprang into action, immediately calling for backup and transporting him to the hospital as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday Kate broke her social media silence to explain the situation.

On Instagram, Kate openly discussed a rather alarming incident that occurred during their vacation. Accompanied by her mother, her 89-year-old father had an unexpected collapse.

She also praised her colleagues Ranvir Singh, Charlotte Hawkins, Tina Hobley and Myleene Klass for covering her on the breakfast shows. 

She mentioned: “Hello everyone, I apologize for my absence over the past two weeks. My father had a sudden collapse during our family vacation with my mother at my brother’s place, and I had to rush to the hospital.”

Despite being incredibly frightening, I’m tremendously relieved that he’s now stable and showing signs of recovery in the hospital. We have an immense amount to be thankful for, and we’re focusing on each day as it comes.

I am deeply grateful to the remarkable NHS team for the boundless compassion and heartfelt care they bestow upon every patient, a quality that has meant the world to my mother and our entire family. Their dedication is truly commendable.

I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my remarkable friends at ITV and Smooth Radio, especially Ranvir Singh, Charlotte Hawkins, Tina Hobley, and Myleene Klass. Once more, they adjusted their schedules to support me so I could prioritize my family. What wonderful friends they are!

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery
Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

Thankfully, I’d planned and booked a few weeks off work, enabling me to offer assistance to my Mom and Brother during this time. Moreover, I’ve been there for my Dad, too. On top of that, Darcey and Billy have enjoyed a fun-filled summer vacation, which they truly deserve given the circumstances.

I’m looking forward to returning to @gmb & @smoothradio on Monday, where I’ll have more updates. Until then, sending lots of love to each and every one of you! #Love #Hope #FriendshipDay

Kate is returning to her hosting duties next week on GMB and Smooth radio.

As someone who has experienced the heartbreaking loss of a loved one due to a prolonged illness, I can empathize deeply with Kate’s pain and struggle this past year. Losing her husband Derek Draper after four years of battling Covid must have been incredibly challenging and emotional for her. It is a testament to her resilience that she continues to face each day with courage and fortitude, reminding us all of the strength that lies within us during trying times. My thoughts are with Kate as she navigates through this difficult period in her life.

Derek experienced one of the most severe cases of COVID-19 in the U.K., as the virus ravaged various organs throughout his body.

In the year 2005, Derek, a former Labour associate and psychotherapist, tied the knot with Kate. Together, they have been blessed with two kids: Darcey, now 17 years old, and Billy, who is 14.

In the year following his Covid infection in 2020, he managed to discharge from the hospital and reunite with his family at their residence in northern London, receiving constant care.

In August 2022, he was admitted to the hospital due to sepsis but managed to recover. However, in early December 2023, Derek suffered a heart attack and was readmitted to the hospital once more.

Sadly, he didn’t make it through the recent medical crisis. On January 5th, Kate announced that Derek had passed away.

Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery
Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery
Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an 'emotional' flight amid her father's hospital recovery

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2024-08-04 12:08

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