Kate Garraway and her husband

That’s what I was thinking too.

TBH I've had similar thoughts but wondered if I was being unkind flaxwoven. The first documentary won a NTA on Thursday but perhaps enough is enough now.

Totaly agree with you all.

It’s her therapy I think. She is in the most awful position, and focussing on telling others about it it must help her deal with the reality of her day to day life. I think it’s unkind to say she is milking the situation.

Same here - so many people have died due to Covid. At least Derek is alive, with every chance of a partial, if not, full recovery ….

How deeply unpleasant.

Galaxy

How deeply unpleasant.

My thoughts entirely

This thread would make anyone fearful to speak of their grief,
they could be accused of ‘milking it’

I feel differently. I think as a family they have been through a massive trauma which wasn't planned for and they are both quite young with children who have not yet reached adulthood. They both work in television and this is what they do. Yes, other people have been through it too and have sadly lost loved ones, in a time which wasn't normal, no normal goodbyes, no normal visiting in hospital. It has all been quite frightening for everyone, let alone those directly affected.

I think (and some of you will have direct experience) that society expects family and spouse carers to behave in a way they think they would behave themselves. They want carers to behave like they are angels sent to serve their loved ones with dignity, they don't want to see the upsetting side and the grit. Well life isn't like that. Suffering trauma and trying to negotiate a situation you feel out of control of is difficult and we all cope in our own way. I don't feel in any way uncomfortable about her talking about her own situation because it is her own

I do hope Derek recovers enough for them to have a normal life together but atm she grieving for a husband she doesn't think will return. Lots of couples have to face these situations , as you know, they all cope in their own way.

I think it’s important that people remember how many people’s lives have been and still are being affected by covid. Especially as many people seem to think it’s all over. I feel so sorry for Kate Garraway and her family. Covid is a Russian roulette of a virus and we must’n’t forget how it can affect any of us.

Everything that Jane said. I cant imagine how difficult it is to raise two children who have been through trauma, work, and be involved in her husbands care. It is obviously fortunate that she has financial stability and there will be many others in the same situation who dont have that advantage, but others misfortune doesnt make our own pain any less.

flaxwoven if by milking it for all its worth you mean keeping Covid, long Covid and it’s many components in the public domain I say well done Kate.

She has a home to keep (mortgage and all the associated bills) childcare, round the clock care for Derek, so if she makes some money from her book I say well done Kate.

Indeed Anniebach.
I also agree with Casdon, Jane, Galaxy and those others who show a more compassionate side.
For those who think otherwise there’s always the off button.

I am in two minds about it. I admire KateG for highlighting the awful effects of catching covid and for her honesty.
On the other hand, is it what Derek and the children really want her to do?
I draw a comparison with Corinna Schumacher who has kept very private for nearly 8 years about her husband's condition after his skiing accident, and how she has protected the family. That is equally amazing.

I agree Annie.

Josianne, you highlight what I mentioned. Society expects carers to behave in a certain way. Well, we are all different and we are allowed to behave however we want to behave and cope in whichever manner that helps. It's about time these unrealistic expectations on carers and people in general going through tough times, stopped.

Josianne it’s easy to withdraw from society with millions of Euros in the bank like the Schumachers. Kate Garraway has to earn a living.

Yes, definitely the Schuhmachers have all the money in the world.
I agree JaneJudge neither wife is handling the situation better or worse, just differently, and according to their personal circumstances.

I too think this is a bit judgemental you don’t have to buy or read the books or watch the tv documentaries
Everybody deals with things differently the lady you speak of josieanne (who I ve never heard of) dealt with it her way Kate Garraway and her husband are dealing with it differently I m sure she wouldn’t do it if he wasn’t up for it
I shan’t be buying her book because the documentary was enough for me, but I hope it gives her and the family whatever she’s looking for, from it

I would assume Kate knows enough about her (obviously so loved) husband to be able to decide that he would be ok with his ongoing battle being discussed.

It is of interest to me, because he is a survivor of the very worst covid side effects.

JaneJudge

Josianne, you highlight what I mentioned. Society expects carers to behave in a certain way. Well, we are all different and we are allowed to behave however we want to behave and cope in whichever manner that helps. It's about time these unrealistic expectations on carers and people in general going through tough times, stopped.

I think it is difficult, I agree Kate has to do what she has to do to survive but on the other hand would he want people to know all the details of his condition? Is it compatible with his right to privacy. I don't think he is in a position to make his feelings clear. Very difficult situation for all concerned.

From a purely pragmatic point of view she has presumably lost a proportion of her income but still has bills to pay. Whilst basic care is provided she probably has additional expenses or just extras that make all their lives more comfortable. Good for her! If all else fails TVs have an off switch!

Apologies BlueBelle, Michael Schuhmacher's wife. I'm currently watching F1 from Italy and his accident came to mind.

Unfortunately Derek can't operate all the off switches and his privacy is being ignored. Maybe he is well enough to consent but from what I've seen that doesn't seem certain.