Kate Garraway has shared a heartfelt tribute to the NHS staff members working on the frontline amid the coronavirus crisis, while her husband remains critically ill in hospital.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Good Morning Britain presenter’s husband, Derek Draper, had been admitted to hospital after contracting Covid-19.

In an Instagram post on Thursday night, shared shortly after the nation took part in Clap For Carers at 8pm, Kate shared her own thanks to the NHS, as she revealed Derek remains “critically ill” and in intensive care.

“Another emotional #clapthecarers & never has it been more needed,” she wrote, alongside footage of people applauding. “If this pandemic #lockdown is dragging on for us, imagine what it is like for them. Shift after endlessly long shift , bravely going to work, to battle the virus and give our loved ones a chance.” 

She continued: “None of those keeping my Derek alive have ever made me feel it’s a chore, they want to win this as much as I want them to, but it must be so hard.

“He is still critically ill in intensive care, but where there is life there is hope. Thank you #nhs from the bottom of my heart.”

Kate went on to thank her supporters for their “wonderful messages”, noting she’d be “gathering the things that have helped me” through her difficult experience and putting them on her website for free.

“I know I am not alone in struggling . We are all facing challenges , whether we have a sick loved one or not , so let’s stand together & I hope something on there helps YOU – even if it’s just to share!” she added.

The daytime star’s husband, a former political aide to then-Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson, was admitted to hospital on 30 March.

The couple, who are both 52, married in 2005 and have a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son, Darcey and William.