Ben Shephard hails Kate Garraway's 'eternal optimism' during her heartbreaking year
Ben Shephard has spoken out about the strength shown by his Good Morning Britain co-presenter Kate Garraway after her year was derailed by coronavirus and her husband's hospitalisation
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Ben Shephard has hailed his Good Morning Britain co-presenter Kate Garraway, as she tackles a tough year in her personal life.
The 45-year-old TV presenter said that he admired Kate's "eternal optimism" as she deals with the difficulties of her husband Derek Draper's hospitalisation with the effects of Covid-19.
The former political lobbyist has been in hospital since March, when he was put into an induced coma after being diagnosed as having coronavirus.
Kate, 53, has since had to deal with the heartbreaking situation, along with their children Darcey and Billy.
Ben has said that he has found her strength remarkable as he shares his concerns that he is doing enough to support his friend.
He said: "There is not a day when I don't think about her and what is happening that day and whether I can do something to help her today.
"There is not a moment when I'm working with her where that admiration tarnishes."
Ben added: "Kate is so brilliant and professional and we have fun so you sometimes forget the relentless journey that they are on at the moment.
"We all want to know what the outcome is going to be and that is the hardest thing, not knowing.
"It is so, so difficult and her eternal optimism and positivity is something that we can all look at. It is something that I use to inspire me as well."
Ben is hoping that next year will be a different story for Kate and everyone that has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
He continued: "In 2021 I will undoubtedly be more optimistic and positive, because of my friendship with Kate and how much I admire her."
Kate, for her part, said Ben has been a tower of strength for her through the challenging year.
She said: "He has been at the end of the phone and trying to do everything that he can to help.
"To be serious for a minute, it has been a huge pressure on him.
"Working alongside somebody that you care for and you are worried about, plus also trying to do the job, it's a huge thing and I am very grateful that he has been there and I am aware how tough it's been for him."
The GMB presenters will be hosting the 1 Million Minutes Awards virtually on December 17.
To pledge your support to Good Morning Britain's 1 Million Minutes Awards go to ITV.com/1MillionMinutes.
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