A Health Battle Amid the Spotlight
Emma Saunders, a well-known presenter and match day reporter for Sky Sports, recently shared a personal update that has left her fans and colleagues concerned but deeply supportive. In a candid Instagram post, Saunders revealed that she has been battling a brain infection known as encephalitis, a condition that has forced her to take a break from her work. This revelation comes on the heels of her earlier struggle with thyroid cancer, which she successfully overcame at the start of the current season. Despite the challenges, Saunders remains optimistic and is focusing on her recovery, hoping to return to her duties soon.
A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude
Saunders’s Instagram post, featuring a photograph from her hospital bed, has resonated with her 71,500 followers. Holding a stuffed giraffe teddy, she candidly explained her recent health issues and expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her. She wrote, "Hi folks. Unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain." The post continued, "I hope it won’t be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer." Her words not only highlighted the physical toll of her recent health battles but also the mental resilience she has shown.
Community Support and Kindness
The response to Saunders’s post has been overwhelmingly positive. Her peers in the sports broadcasting industry, including commentator Pien Meulensteen and presenter Hayley McQueen, were quick to send their well wishes. Meulensteen commented, "Oh Emma, wishing you a speedy recovery and sending lots of love." McQueen added, "Oh my gosh Emma. So shocked to read this but sending much love to you & hoping you’re back on our screen soon!!! Lots of love x" Other notable personalities like Becky Ives, who works for TNT Sports, and Soccer Saturday’s Simon Thomas also posted messages of support, alongside Emma Paton, Clinton Morrison, and Ben Foster. The outpouring of love and encouragement has been a testament to the tight-knit and supportive community within the world of sports broadcasting.
A Trailblazer in Sports Broadcasting
Emma Saunders is no stranger to breaking barriers in the sports broadcasting industry. She has made significant strides, particularly in women’s football, and is widely regarded as a trailblazer. Her career began at the University of Southampton, where she honed her skills on student radio. From there, she joined the BBC’s reporting scheme, earning a placement in London before embarking on a post-graduate program. Her talent and dedication led her to join Watford’s in-house channels, where she became the first-ever female stadium announcer at a Premier League club. Over the years, she has worked for both Sky and BBC, fronting major sporting events such as England internationals, the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK. Her contributions have not only been professional but also instrumental in promoting gender diversity in sports media.
A Personal Life in the Spotlight
Alongside her professional achievements, Saunders’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. She began dating English manager Will Still, who is currently in charge of Lens in France, last year. The couple went public with their relationship during Euro 2024, and Still has been a constant source of support for her. In his Instagram post, he shared two photos of himself and Saunders during the tournament, accompanied by a football and heart emoji. Still’s message of love and support only underscores the strength of their relationship. Born in Belgium with English parents, Still himself is a role model in the football world, having become the youngest manager in the top five leagues while leading Reims in France at the age of 30.
Looking Forward with Hope and Determination
As Emma Saunders continues her recovery, her determination and positive attitude remain evident. She expressed her thanks to her family, friends, and colleagues at Sky for their unwavering support, as well as the NHS for their exceptional care. Her journey from thyroid cancer to encephalitis is a testament to her resilience and the strength she has shown throughout her career. The sports community, including many of her colleagues and fans, is rallying behind her, sending messages of hope and encouragement. Saunders’s story is not just one of medical battles but also of a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and a personal life filled with love and support. Her fans and colleagues are eagerly awaiting her return, confident that she will overcome this challenge with the same grace and strength she has always demonstrated.
