Kate Garraway-Caring For Derek

I didn’t watch the programme as I felt that Garraway was wrong to allow the public to see photographs of Derek in hospital when it didn’t appear that he was able to give consent. Garraway didn’t seem to respect his privacy or dignity. I presume he was able to give consent for this’s programme to be shown. However, the whole thing leaves a ‘bit of a sour taste’. I felt the publicity was all about her and promoting her career.

I felt the publicity was all about her and promoting her career.
What a nasty post
Perhaps if you watched it you might feel differently Gwyneth.

We've watched some of it, missed the end as we had a phone call, but you can see the strain this has had on her. If she wanted to televise this as a broadcaster and the breadwinner and to fund his treatment (not much help available on the NHS) then I'm sure this was all considered.
As a journalist himself, I think her husband would understand.

We just watched it. The situation is heartbreaking. He was asked if he was happy to be filmed and he said 'yes'.
I think Kate is doing the best she can for him and her family.
Who knows how any of us would cope.

How do you know what it's about Gwyneth if you didn't watch it?

I didn’t watch it because I felt very uncomfortable at the time when they were showing him in hospital and he didn’t appear to be able to give consent for this. As I said in my previous post presumably he was able to give his consent for the programme.

I felt the publicity was all about her and promoting her career

Yes, it might have been better if she'd given up her career, gone on benefits and lost her home.

Having just watched the documentary I have such immense admiration for Kate. She is so honest about her situation and is desperate to do what's best for Derek. My heart goes out to her and I hope and pray she sees some improvement in Derek's condition. Gwyneth, unless you've been in a similar situation to Kate I don't think you should be so critical of her. She is doing her best in the terrible circumstances she finds herself in. In my view, she deserves nothing but praise.

I hardly think they were at the point of claiming benefits but I wouldn’t have subjected a relative of mine to such indignities when they were lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Neither
would I want it to happen to me. But we’re all different and entitled to do what we think is best for that person.

Walk a mile in my shoes .

Exactly Granniesunite

I watched it , Kate is most certainly doing her best for Derek. She is in the fortunate position of having sufficient funds for his care and specialist treatment, many people in her position are not so lucky but who wouldn’t pay for it if they had the funds. It was an informative documentary and served to make viewers aware of what damage Covid can do. Watching Derek I came to the conclusion that he was probably able to give his permission to be filmed. She is doing an amazing job , still working in tv and supporting her two children , I wish her and her family the the very best for the future.,

Gwyneth

I hardly think they were at the point of claiming benefits but I wouldn’t have subjected a relative of mine to such indignities when they were lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Neither
would I want it to happen to me. But we’re all different and entitled to do what we think is best for that person.

I'm inclined to agree.

If I were in a coma and my husband televised it I would kill him if I woke up, and haunt him if I didn't.

I'm a very private person though - maybe if KG knows that her husband wouldn't mind it's different. I'm surprised it was allowed, tbh.

I also think it may have helped other people in a similar position who haven't got a platform. Kate has said several times that she knows that there are many, many people in her position. We know they are there but they rarely get a voice to let people know how truly horrendous it is

They asked him on camera if he was happy to be filmed and he said 'yes' as I said. She obviously adores him and I can't imagine her doing something he wouldn't want.

She knows him better than any of us she would know if he was a person who would hate it or want to do it to show others how life is He certainly wanted to do it this time I think that’s pretty judgemental Gwyneth seeing as you didn’t even watch the programme
I think it was a wonderful very very moving programme the love shone through especially the little boy and his Dad I hope beyond hope he will improve Although Kate has more help than a lot of us could afford she still does a whole lot for him and the kids as well as her career
A wonderful programme and I can only wish them well

Gwyneth, although it was so heartbreaking to watch, I see no problem with publicity. It's everyday life for them - and we need far more truth, more reality on TV, don't we? It brought back painful memories, for me, of the sheer hell and attitude problems we face when caring for someone.

The days of hiding people away behind closed doors are ending, thankfully - along with all the excuses about 'protecting their dignity' etc.

When we're ill, or old, we shouldn't become invisible - an embarrassment, to be hidden away from the world.

Gwyneth The only wage owner in the Garraway/Draper household is Kate herself, and the cost of runnng it now that her husband is so ill and needs so much help and equipment must be enormous.

At times like that you will do almost anything and everything to ensure that you have the income to support all that is needed.

Her job is being a broadcaster. How else do you suggests she earns the income she needs.

I found the programme both honest and non-exploititive.

I for one have the greatest respect for Kate. How that woman hasn't buckled under the stress and strain of it all beggars belief.

She is on the TV more than Philip Schofield !!! Amazing woman.

Yes I would do the same to DH doodledog. I think it's possible to have a conversation about consent for those with complex conditions in a general way, its not about judging Kate Garraway it's just an important issue. It's not hiding away to want privacy.

With children, a very sick husband - and a career, you find that the world around you changes into a terrifying nightmare of a place.

You are fully aware that the only option is to cope, so you enter 'survival mode', focussed on protecting your loved ones. You do anything (absolutely anything) to carry on
functioning, doing your best. 'Normal' rules just don't seem to apply in that world.

I'm sure anyone here could make a pretty accurate assessment of whether their loved ones would be happy to be on camera.
I never had much time for Kate before, but I've a whole new level of respect for her honesty and fortitude.

Kate Garraway has my utmost respect for the way she cares for her Derek & her family.
As regard to Derek giving his permission for the filming Kate knows him better than anyone and would never venture on a programme like this if she thought for one minute he would object to it.

glammanana

*Kate Garraway* has my utmost respect for the way she cares for her Derek & her family.
As regard to Derek giving his permission for the filming Kate knows him better than anyone and would never venture on a programme like this if she thought for one minute he would object to it.

I agree, glammanana
As Derek was a journalist too, and was also what was termed "a spin doctor" they are people who are both used to living their lives under the glare of publicity.

Doodleog, no it wouldn't suit most people, certainly not me either.

gwyneth
I presume you thought better of the pm you sent me.