The TV presenter Kate Garraway says she believes in the power of prayer and is holding on to the hope of a miracle.
The 54-year-old was visiting a church for the first time since her husband, Derek Draper became ill with Covid in March 2020. The former political lobbyist and psychotherapist spent more than a year in hospital and suffered multiple organ failure and sustained damage to his liver and pancreas. He returned home in April but requires round the clock care.
Speaking as part of a BBC Two series called ” Walking With……” she found herself inside a small village church in the Cotswolds:
“I haven’t been to Church since Derek got sick. We used to go regularly. Derek is a faithful Church goer, but we haven’t been inside one since.
“It does feel like there’s an incredible sense of peace, and it makes me feel quite emotional actually.
“I think there’s something very powerful in prayer, whatever form it takes for you. For me, a classic prayer – I believe to God – is a very special thing.”
She told viewers they could “likely guess what she was praying for” as she held back tears and went on to pray for her husband.
Since Derek, who’s also 54, returned home, the broadcaster has taken on the role of his primary carer.
During filming for the programme, she travelled through the Cotswolds between Painswick Beacon to Great Witcombe side and said:
“It’s hard because the person I wanted to give me a hug is the person that can’t – and that’s Derek.
“There’s something about coming here and reminding yourself that you can feel the countryside wrapping its arms around you and giving you love back. I feel very grateful for today.”
The broadcaster also revealed she uses mindfulness to help cope since Derek fell ill:
“I was doing a lot of mindfulness and trying to create some space in my head when it feels life is quite overwhelming.
“It’s much easier to do when you’re somewhere like this. It is much easier to hang on to the hope of a miracle. A great sense that anything can happen.”
SOURCE: PREMIER CHRISTIAN NEWS