The Power of Hope

by Kate Garraway

'A raw, honest rollercoaster that touches the heart' *****'Kate and her family's courageous battle is told with such candour' *****'Written from the heart with the will never to give up hope' *****........................In March 2020, Kate Garraway's husband, Derek Draper, contracted Covid-19 and was placed in a medically-induced coma. Thought to be the UK's longest-fighting Covid-19 patient, he spent more than a year in hospital before returning home to be with Kate and their children, Darcey and Billy. However he continued to suffer the devastating after-effects of COVID and passed away at the start of January 2024.In this intimate book, Kate shares her deeply personal story. As well as recounting how the illness took hold of their lives, she writes about coping with uncertainty, how she's supporting her children through this traumatic time, how she has found strength in community and how she strives to hold on to hope even at the darkest of times. Covid-19 has affected everyone across the country in so many ways and Kate hopes that by revealing her own personal experience, it will give comfort to others. By sharing the lessons she has learnt along the way, it will help us all begin to try to re-build our lives.Kate's exceptional courage, positivity and warmth shine through on every page, making The Power of Hope a truly inspiring read that will resonate with all of us whose lives continue to be touched by the virus.WRITTEN IN 2021 THIS EDITION WAS UPDATED IN 2022 WITH NEW MATERIAL ABOUT CARING FOR DEREK AT HOME.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2021

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read, couldn't put it down from the first page. Very emotional & very real, funny in bits. I admire the way Kate stayed strong for the children & never gave up.

[georgia elderkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliant book. Captures happiness and sadness throughout the covid pandemic. I really feel for her family but they are so strong. Well done Kate for all your hard work and determination on getting Derek home.

[Emma Hastie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate narrates her story with such passion and emotion yet stays so humble throughout. I really hope her husband gets better and that her unwavering hope is rewarded. She tells the story of so many families around the world during this pandemic. I couldn’t give this book anything other than 5 stories given the experiences she tells.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can simply not express how I feel after reading this book. My hat goes off to Kate & my heart goes out to her.

Such an inspirational woman, never giving up on her beloved husband & his fight for survival after contracting long Covid.

I laughed, cried & sniffed my way through the pages, whilst Kate recounts the twelve months in which her & her families lives were changed forever.

Throughout the pages Kate writes from the heart, is honest & stays humble. She truly is an inspirational woman, an amazing mother, loving wife to Derek & so resilient, never once giving up hope.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book in hardback for ages, having purchased in January 2022. However at the time despite wanting to desperately read the same, I was a bit unsure of picking this up. Everyone remembers hearing the news that we were in a pandemic, but none of us (well I certainly didn’t expect this to still be here nearly 3 years down the line). I knew it wouldn’t be a case of here one minute and gone the next, but I never thought that we would still be living with this as we currently are now, in the way we are.

Kate has written a heart tugging story that touched so many lives, and still continues to touch to this day. It is an honest account of the turmoil she went through during that eventful period in March 2020 and still continues to go through each and every day with her husband Derek.

Derek was hospitalised for over 12 months, and due to him contracting Covid in the early stages, unfortunately nothing was known about the what the future held for people and what treatments they were able to receive. Kate had to learn what all the medical terminology was, what the future may hold for her husband, and more importantly whether Kate could continue to be there for her children as well as her husband.

Despite the subject matter and the fear of what was happening to her husband during that period of time, Kate has managed to tell the story with true candour and honesty in the most difficult period of her and her children’s life.

All in all a good read despite the subject matter.

[Rachael Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Kate Garraway and am glad that I listened to, rather than read, her tell her story of their family's struggle through covid and the devastating effects it has had on her husband, Derek.
An inspiring lady.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. A very sad but well educated book. I loved it

[Paula Hartharn-Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read. Really makes you aware of the huge effects that COVID has had on so many people's lives. But the power of hope is very powerful.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful book, which gives true understanding how covid affects the whole family.

[Sezziem81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed Kate Garraway for a long time, I have been watching in shock, disbelief and sadness of how badly her husband Derek has been left damaged from the after effects of long Covid.

I watched the documentary recently, and was intrigued to hear further of how much her and her family have suffered.

Firstly, they come across as a very loving couple/family, with Derek being the core part of this. He sounded like a very charismatic, northerner who enjoyed his life to the full with a very witty mind of intrigue.

The book explained how he got ill, they weren’t sure it was Covid and then he progressively deteriorated. In a matter of a few days he was in a coma on a ventilator fighting for his life, then onto an ecmo it was touch & go if he would survive, and Kate tried her utmost to stay positive, whilst trying to be a good Mum.

What is sad, is that even though he pulled through the Covid he has been left with considerable disabilities, including a minimal state of consciousness and he hasn’t pulled through (well only in small snippets). That in itself is worse than the Covid as it’s prolonged, and doctors aren’t sure how long it will last.

I think Kate shows, that trying to stay positive will help Derek to improve. It must be heartbreaking for her and her family to adapt to Derek ‘being the new norm’. I felt she has stoically dealt with this situation, and is learning a new norm. I do not think she has come across as self pitying, why me?, but even though she must feel broken at times her love for him & her children pushes her forward.

A poignant, honest account of a family faced with the biggest challenges of their lives.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional account of the past year (and a bit), where Kate talks about how the power of Hope helped her and her family. I loved reading a lot more about how her and Derek met, when he proposed and when she found out she was expecting Darcy. I cried at multiple points during this book, and I found it very moving and humbling.
I honestly felt like I was on the journey with them and was lost for words at multiple points in the book, whenever there was a tiny bit of hope in Derek’s progress I felt so positive, even though I knew the updates from his current state.
I did not want to put the book down as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. I loved reading about who supported her through the tough times and how everyone came together for Kate and her family. And when I finished the book I just felt like I wanted a ‘now’ update.
I am very glad Kate has written this book as I think it something that will move many in the nation and give everyone something to relate to. Covid has affected us all, and I think by Kate writing this book she is encouraging others to speak out about their experience.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story. Written from the heart. Not easy to read all the pain and sadness but as Kate says often throughout the book, we are all dealing with Covid in some way. Her experience is so extreme but there are so many others who have also had to walk similar paths. A book of hope but also an historical account of one persons walk through this pandemic. I wish Derek the miracle that he needs and that one day he will return fully and read this book for himself.

[Christine Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate recounts how her husband, Derek was rushed into hospital suffering fromCovid and his progress over the last 12 months. She explains how she tries to bring in some semblance of normality back into their lives. Derek still has a long way to go and she has no jdea how much progress he will make. Kate is honest, frank and full of hope for the future.

[Keith Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book sad Well written the real life struggle of being stuck down with Covid for the whole family I think everyone should read if you have ever complained at being locked down this book will help show you that this could be you and how lucky it’s not you

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing a brilliant read and hit home so much as been our life for 15 months with my brother so it was so like my story and could relate so much to what she was saying and didn’t want it to end as so good

[Chloë Dowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mum read this and passed it to me to read....I don't really know Kate G much off the TV, but was quickly gripped by her story. It was terrifying and hopeful in equal measure. It's amazing that she has been able to write so eloquently about such a challenging time in her life, and to remain so positive.

[Janet farrow1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this read by Kate.
Despite the sad content this book is very inspiring and makes us realise the destruction that COVID has caused.
Kate Garraway is a strong, determined lady. Hopefully Derek will come through this.

[Katie Coshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insight to how covid was in beginning and how all our lives changed

[Jo Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight into the world of living with serious life limiting illness as they still are. Well done for telling your story.

[Marion Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book everyone should read - it shows the devastating reality of covid as it truly has been for Kate (and, to some extent, still is). May his progress continue ♥️

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out"

The quote above, from Vaclav Havel, is used on the flyleaf and encapsulates Kate's struggle to find, define and hang on to hope through the dreadful ordeal of her husband's battle with Covid. The reader is immersed in the roller-coaster of emotions experienced by Kate and her children, but the incredibly strong bonds or love between them have helped them cope and cling onto hope. Their love for Derek has also helped him in his recovery. Powerful, ultimately uplifting book. I wanted to read this as a 'human interest' rather than a 'celebrity' book and was not disappointed. Recommended.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having followed the very sad story of this family I was interested to read 'The Power of Hope'. It was an insightful read, as we continue to live through this Pandemic.

Reading about Derek's life before he became ill and how the virus has overrun his mind and body is very sad. The family have somehow remained strong through this challenging time, an inspiration to us all.

The work the various NHS staff have provided was interesting to read about, so many different people involved in the rehabilitation of one patient. It is amazing to think this is happening up and down the country and indeed the world.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story. They have both stayed strong and Derek is such a big fighter. I’m glad Kate released this book as it is a real eye opener and well written.

[Emily Hawkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful story of just one story in thousand of people and their struggle with covid. I really enjoying listen to Kate and her story of Derek.

[Emma Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful story showing the strength of a wonderful wife and amazing mum! Her honesty through her pain is inspiring!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Garraway (2021) THE POWER OF HOPE (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Transworld Digital/Penguin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "In March 2020, Kate Garraway's husband, Derek Draper, contracted COVID-19 and was placed in a medically induced coma. Initially, Kate was told that he would not survive. Still in hospital and in a critical condition, he is thought to be the UK's longest-fighting COVID-19 patient. In this intimate book, Kate shares her deeply personal story. As well as recounting how the illness took hold of their lives, she writes about how she is coping with the uncertainty of their future, how she's supporting her children through this traumatic time, how she has found strength in community and how she strives to hold on to hope even at the darkest of times. COVID-19 has affected everyone across the country in so many ways, and Kate hopes that by revealing her own personal experience, it will give comfort to others. By sharing the lessons she has learnt along the way, it will help us all begin to try to rebuild our lives. Kate's exceptional courage, positivity and warmth shine through on every page, making The Power of Hope a truly inspiring story that will resonate with all of us whose lives continue to be touched by the virus."
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Heartbreaking and heartwrenching. Was in awe from beginning to end. Most of this was so hard to listen to, and you will cry like a baby, again and again. What a family! What a human being! Kate Garraway should be a Dame. I wish this family wellness, hopes fulfilled and prayers answered.
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[Katie Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartbreaking read. If you want a good cry, this is the book to make you have the said cry. Since publication, Derek (Kate’s husband) has come home, but he was the longest surviving patient of Covid.
Kate finished 2019 on Cloud 9, after the success of I’m A Celeb of that year. In January 2020, as the first cases of Covid were breaking, Kate (like probably the rest of us) dismissed it…
In this VERY emotional account of the past year, Kate talks about the highs and lows. And how the power of Hope and people helped her, be there for their children. She recounts the story of Derek proposing to her, and when she found out she was expecting Darcy (their first child).
I literally cried at one part where she mentions her great friend and fellow TV presenter Ben Shepherd. I love Tipping Point/Ninja Warrior, purely because of Ben’s kind nature towards everyone. And this is proven through this as well. At the time of Derek’s admission and Kate telling him, he was having his car tyre changed, and had since confessed he feels sick every time he passes the place.
With photos on the back of the book, and in the middle - you can’t help but feel empathetic to Kate - even though 99.9% of us don’t know her and her family personally.
Even if you don’t like Kate, or don’t know her off breakfast TV - I still recommend you read this, as it helps put a deeper perspective onto how serious this pandemic has/is.

[Bernadette Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this a 5 stars or 10/10. I borrowed a copy of this book by Kate Garraway from BorrowBox the digital lending side of the local Library. I couldn't give it any less.

I found this a very insightful look into the life that Kate Garraway, her husband Derek Draper and their two children found themselves in following him having contracted Covid-19 and how it has impacted on them. I found at times in the writing that Kate was able to relate some of the humour that she was able to find in the little things that have helped her to deal with this life changing event on Derek.

I wish Kate and her family the best of luck and my thoughts are with them as the family deals with the repercussions of the illness on Derek and trying to get back to some form of normality in their day to day lives.

This is a book that I can thoroughly recommend to others, it is definitely an eye opener in more ways than one. Kate had and still has 'Hope' that all will be right for Derek and that he will make the best recovery that he can, as he continues on what is going to be an extremely long and hard journey into the future.

Kate will not be alone in what she has been through. In this book she has been able to show us what she and many others have had to deal with as a result of Covid-19. My heart goes out to all the survivors of Covid-19 and to the families of those that have passed away.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book second-hand as I was eager to read Kate Garraway's account of her husband's struggle with Covid. Due to circumstances in my own life, I thought it would be helpful to me to see how other people struggled with situations similar to my own, and it definitely has been therapeutic.

Kate details how her husband became ill during the early days of the pandemic- March 2020- and didn't even realize he had Covid. His entire organ system was attacked by the virus, not just his lungs. Every day was a fight for life, as he lay in a medical coma, and even after he was weaned out of it, it became apparent he would never be able to function as he had pre-Covid.

Kate details the medical trials and tribulations and the frustrations, but also how her family coped with the situation through numerous lockdowns which were much more strict than in the US. She discusses financial problems (even though all his treatment through he NHS was completely free), alternative therapies she resorted to, returning to work and helping the children cope with the new reality. In some ways she was much more fortunate than the average person, having support from people like Elton John and Tony Blair, but so much of what she experienced was the same as any woman whose spouse has a serious debilitating illness. It rips your heart out.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook which is beautifully read by Kate.

Kate's book movingly shares her experience of the Covid pandemic which affected her dear husband, Derek, so profoundly. Kate is a very likeable person, but also incredibly strong, empathetic and caring. She shares her belief in the power of hope at this time in her life as she tirelessly advocated for Derek and cared for her children while also conveying the mood of the nation in the UK at those points in the pandemic.

Her writing and indeed her performance of the book is beautiful. I love memoirs read by the author as I feel you gain so much more from the experience. In this case she recounts little moments like those she had shared with her daughter and you can feel the love and humour resonating through. Kate's deep and enduring love for Derek resounds throughout the book. It is a sad but touching book and a tribute to the man that she adores. Kate's tenacity and compassion are inspirational.

Best wishes to Kate and Derek and their family for the future.