GOOD Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid has confessed she had "no idea" about the "burden" shouldered by her close pal Kate Garraway.
The ITV presenter, 52, was addressing her co-star's role as a carer for her husband, Derek Draper, during his long-term illness.
Susanna was talking about the absence of a mention for carers during chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Financial Statement on Wednesday.
Previously Derek, 56, was fighting for his life after suffering Covid.
He is one of the UK's longest suffering patients of Covid, yet has since been battling a variety of health problems, after the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
Today, Kate, 56, told Good Morning Britain how it is National Carers Rights Day.
read more gmb
party time!
Towie stars look ready for bed after partying with Davina McCall at ITV bash
rumbled in the jungle
IAC stars Danielle and Nella’s ‘secret signals’ to family revealed
The mum of two acts as carer for Derek and told how the day: "Is not really about demands, although there are many.
"It is about carers who do it for love as it were, unpaid carers.
"Understanding what rights they do have as well as pushing for more."
She said every day 600 people need to give up their jobs to look after loved ones.
Most read in News TV
BRU-TAL SECRET
BGT faces new backstage row as Bruno Tonioli bags himself a secret pay rise
THE BIG BREAK FEST
Chloe Madeley and James Haskell in awkward reunion for new ITV series
ready to rumba
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line up reveals first three celebs
IT’S OVER
Emmerdale stars Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden reveal they’ve split
Susanna then said: "Do you know what, I just finished your book, Strength of Love.
"What struck me is that I thought I knew what you and Derek were going through."
Kate interjected: "Well you have been so helpful."
Susanna continued: "In terms of the struggle. I had absolutely no idea.
"You only tell us sort of a glimpse, because you don't want to burden people."
Looking serious, Kate admitted: "No."
Susanna said: "It is some sort of Labyrinthian nightmare – every time you think there is something fixed, you are told 'can you just explain to us again what the problem is?'"
Giving a glimpse at what she believed is the issue, Kate added: "Yeah. They are not shared properly.
"The system is so Labyrinthian and it's divided."
She then told how the care system was seen as a "luxury" rather than necessity.
Just last month, Kate gave viewers a huge medical update on Derek's recovery.
She opened up on her former Labour lobbyist spouse being well enough to attend former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson's wedding.
Kate said being invited to Peter's ceremony with husband and long-time partner Reinaldo "meant the world to him" amid Derek's lengthy illness, which has left him wheelchair-bound.
Previously, the anchor gave a "massive thank you" to the newlyweds for accommodating Derek's needs.
Peter said: "It was a lovely, lovely wedding and we are very happy.
"And Kate, very pleased, if you don't mind me saying so, that Derek was there.
"Because Derek worked for me as my parliamentary aide back in 1992 when I was first elected."
Kate replied: "You were very kind because it was a massive day for you and it took a lot of organisation to get him there.
"But it meant the world to him so on a personal note, thank you."
Previously, Kate opened up on the difficulties Derek faces while travelling – and told how he was trapped in "no man's land" between borders.
Source: Read Full Article