Sky Sports anchor recovers, returns to job scene following tumultuous fight against cancer and brain ailment
Emma Saunders, a well-known presenter on Sky Sports, has made a triumphant return to her role following a challenging health battle. The 32-year-old faced a double adversity, battling both thyroid cancer and a viral brain infection known as encephalitis.
Saunders' health journey began in September 2024 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The following month, she was admitted to hospital for treatment, marking the start of a long and arduous road to recovery.
In February, her final game of the season took her to Anfield, but little did her audience know that she was fighting for her life off the screen. Saunders was diagnosed with encephalitis as a complication following her cancer treatment, which required intensive care, including a medically induced coma.
During this difficult time, Saunders received not only excellent healthcare and support from her medical team but also unwavering support from her loved ones. Her partner, Will Still, who is the manager of Lens, revealed that he visited her twice a week during her health battle. Even Still's brothers, Ed and Nico, offered their support.
Still, who was managing in France at the time, regularly visited Saunders in St Albans, England. Despite the distance and the emotional strain, he admitted to feeling "emotionally drained" during Saunders' health battle. However, he chose to go public with their relationship in the summer of 2024 to alleviate some of the pressure.
By mid-2025, Saunders had made significant progress and returned to her professional duties at Sky Sports. While she continues to deal with some residual health issues, she is hopeful about becoming a regular face on screens during the upcoming season.
Will Still, reflecting on his time with Lens last season, considers finishing eighth as one of his proudest achievements, despite selling many players. This achievement is all the more remarkable given the personal challenges he faced during the season.
Saunders expressed her gratitude to her supporters in a heartfelt Instagram post in May, thanking them for their kindness and well wishes. She is now back on her feet, ready to continue her career in broadcasting and inspire others with her resilience and determination.
- Emma Saunders' health challenges, including thyroid cancer and encephalitis, required various therapies and treatments, including a medically induced coma, which she bravely faced.
- Besides her medical team, Saunders received unwavering support from her partner, Will Still, who managed Lens in France at the time, visiting her regularly in St Albans, England.
- While Still faced emotional strain due to the distance and his challenges with Lens, he admitted to feeling "emotionally drained" but chose to go public with their relationship in the summer of 2024 to alleviate some of the pressure.
- Despite these personal challenges and some residual health issues, Saunders returned to her professional duties at Sky Sports by mid-2025 and expressed her gratitude to her supporters, who had shown kindness and well wishes.
- Will Still, who finished eighth in European leagues with Lens despite selling many players during the season, considers this achievement one of his proudest accomplishments, given the personal hardships he faced.
