Kate Garraway reveals sick husband Derek Draper has had plasma therapy to help his recovery

KATE Garraway has revealed ill husband Derek Draper has had plasma therapy to aid his recovery in intensive care.

The Good Morning Britain host had offered to donate her own plasma to Derek back in April but was told it was too risky at the time.

However, he has more recently received the treatment from a different donor in the hope it will improve his condition.

Speaking today, Kate explained: "When Derek was very seriously affected by the virus, when the virus was active in him towards the end of April, I was looking at anything to help and I said to doctors could I donate my blood? I've had it, would antibodies I've had be helpful to him who's really struggling to shake the virus off?

"And they said 'we are months away from being able to be confident to clean your blood enough to make sure only good antibodies are going in.'"

However, the process has since been encouraged, with Kate continuing: "We know plasma has been really helpful and more recently Derek has had plasma exchange to try and support cleaning up of the system."

Studio doctor Amir Khan backed the convalescent plasma therapy citing the positive effect it had on the Spanish flu pandemic in the early 1900s.

When it comes to the coronavirus, it is classed as an experimental treatment but health organisations around the world are asking for plasma donations.

It is hoped the blood from people who have had the disease will help seriously ill people recover or at the very least stop them from getting worse.

Last week Kate said she is desperate for "a step forward" in Derek's recovery after he missed their son Billy's birthday in hospital.

The 52-year-old continues to battle coronavirus in intensive care and emotional Kate revealed her husband is "stable" but his condition has not improved in recent weeks.

The mum-of-two said she wished her husband could be with them to celebrate.

Speaking to co-host Ben Shephard on GMB, she said: "I did go and see him yesterday and it was quite a tough visit.

"He's had a tough couple of weeks and you know it's the first birthday he has missied. It's Billy's birthday today so I think I was extra emotional.

"And you think of you know, he was there when (Billy) was born and how Derek would like to be present today."

She added that doctors had assured her Derek's condition had not worsened.

"They said sometimes a day when nothing has gone backwards, and nothing has gone wrong is a positive day.

"I am desperate for a step forward and I'm sure he is always too. But it's always lovely to see him and so it's wonderful to have the chance to do that."

Last week Kate said the 52-year-old coronavirus victim suffered a "tough week" after fears of a blood clot and two massive drops in blood pressure.

But he continued to battle on and teary-eyed Kate told viewers about the touching moment her husband recognised her voice on the TV.

"Derek had quite a tough week", said Kate on GMB.

"He had two big falls in blood pressures, which were worrying staff. There was also swelling in his legs which was concerning that it might be clots.

"It was very emotional."

Updating viewers on some good news, Kate added: "He is stable and actually yesterday, I spoke to the nurses said they had put Good Morning Britain on and they felt he looked focused and engaged on it."

Her co-host Ben said: "So he actually watched the programme?" and Kate jokingly replied: "They didn't say if [he was watching] me or you…"

"I found it very emotional," Kate added.

"We don't know if it's the movement of the light or the sound of a familiar voice, but Good Morning Derek if you are watching."

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