Kate Garraway shares thanks to Virgin Atlantic staff for helping her through an ’emotional’ flight amid her father’s hospital recovery

Kate Garraway took to Instagram on Saturday to share her appreciation and thanks to Virgin Atlantic for helping her amid her dad’s illness. 

The Good Morning Britain presenter was planning a special celebration for Billy’s 15th birthday this week, however due to Kate’s father being rushed to hospital two weeks ago she had to make some last minute changes. 

The 57-year-old is keeping the birthday plans under wraps at the moment but still posted on her Instagram with a shout out to Wendy at Virgin Atlantic for her support with the hashtag ‘#tea&sympathy’.

In the post Wendy was seen pouring a cup of tea for Kate in the airport lounge and the pair beaming as they took a selfie together.   

Kate shared the photos alongside a heartfelt caption, she said: ‘Thank you so much to the amazing gang – and Wendy – for helping me give my son Bill a fantastic birthday.   

‘With all that’s happened with my own Dad obviously a lot had to be cancelled as I wanted to be with him & mum & I feared I would have to disappoint Bill – yet again – & not be able to do any of our summer plans .

‘Thanks though to the Virgin team’s incredible logistical brains – & a flight plan that looked like a spider’s web!!! 

‘I have managed to keep plates spinning & grab some joy in between.’ 

The mother-of-two continued to express her thanks to the team for being understanding: ‘But most of all thank you so much to for just “getting it” & knowing that the specialness of the journey is as important as the destination . 

‘Your kindness has made an emotional flight so special.’

Two weeks ago, after not appearing on her usual slots on Good Morning Britain or Smooth Radio, Kate shared that her father had collapsed and suffered from a suspected stroke or heart attack. 

Kate travelled to the South West to stay with family in Cornwall. 

At the time a source told The Sun: ‘Very sadly, Kate’s father collapsed earlier this week while staying, along with her mum and her brother in Cornwall.

‘It was incredibly frightening as he was found unconscious and immediately taken to hospital. It seems likely that he’s had a stroke and possibly a heart attack as well – doctors are still doing tests.’

On Wednesday Kate broke her social media silence to explain the situation.

Taking to Instagram, Kate shared the ‘very scary’ ordeal as she revealed her father, 89, collapsed while on holiday with her mother.

She also praised her colleagues Ranvir Singh, Charlotte Hawkins, Tina Hobley and Myleene Klass for covering her on the breakfast shows. 

She said: ‘Hi all – sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed & rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brother’s.

‘It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable & even recovering a bit in hospital – we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time. 

‘Huge thanks to the incredible nhs staff for their endless kindness & the heart ♥️ they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum & all our family.

‘Huge thanks too to my incredible friends @itv & @smoothradio particularly @ranvirtv @charlottehawkins1 @tinahobleyofficial @myleeneklass for yet again changing their plans to cover for me so I could put my family first. 

‘Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked so I have been able to support my Mum & Brother & be with my Dad while also giving Darcey & Billy some summer fun on their school holidays which ofcourse they really need. 

‘Am hoping to be back on @gmb & @smoothradio on Monday so can update more then but for now sending love to you all #love #hope #friendshipday’.

Kate is returning to her hosting duties next week on GMB and Smooth radio.

It has been a difficult year for Kate after her husband Derek Draper died in January almost four years after he was struck down by Covid. 

Derek suffered one of the worst affected case of Covid in the UK, with the virus attacking every organ in his body.

Former Labour insider and psychotherapist Derek married Kate in 2005 and they went on to welcome children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14.

In 2021, just over a year after contracting Covid, he was able to leave hospital and return to his family home in north London, with round-the-clock care.

In August 2022 he was taken to hospital with sepsis but pulled through. Then in early December 2023, Derek had a heart attack and was taken to hospital again.

Tragically, he wasn’t able to overcome the latest medical emergency and on January 5, Kate confirmed that Derek died.