Kate Garraway forced to 'withdraw money from pension' to stay afloat

ok.co.uk:

Kate Garraway has opened up about her financial difficulties following the tragic death of her husband Derek Draper, who passed away in January after a four-year battle with the devastating effects of Covid.

Due the round-the-clock care that Derek needed, Kate has now been forced to withdraw money from her pension to pay off these bills.

During a discussion about the NHS and private care on Monday's (6 May) Good Morning Britain, Kate opened up about this, explaining: "I have had to withdraw the bit you can tax free from my pension to pay for belated bills for my husband, who has now passed away. "People are having to do things - it wasn't a huge pension in the first place - which aren't what they saved for." Kate has previously spoken about the financial cost of caring for a loved one, with the TV personality estimating that her debts are around £500,000 to £800,000. “It’s supposed to be a system that’s meant to catch you if you fall,” she told The Times. “But actually, it feels like it’s trying to catch you out.

You feel like you’re in the dock answering questions about things that will literally mean life or death to someone you love.” She continued: “Derek’s needs were clearly so great, yet he didn’t warrant funded care – so you think, ‘If he isn’t getting it, then who is?’” And during a GMB episode in March, Kate expressed that she was "embarrassed" to be in debt, as she said: "I'm ashamed of the fact I'm in debt, but I'm also proud." Co-host Richard Madeley then asked why she would be ashamed of her debt, prompting her to admit that despite having a "well paid" job at ITV, she struggled to make things work at home. "Well, because I have an incredible job that I love, that is very well paid.