Emily Morgan’s heartfelt message to pals before she died as colleagues pay tribute to ‘remarkable’ ITN News journalist

EMILY Morgan gave a touching message to friend before she died, as tributes flood in from colleagues for the highly-regarded ITN journalist.

The health and science editor for ITV died on Friday aged 45 after a short battle with lung cancer.

While the reporter remained proud of her work, she said her greatest source of pride was her family, which included her two young daughters.

She told many work colleagues she wanted to be remembered not as a journalist but as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend.

Emily said: “They are the things that matter.”

Her career with ITV News spanned more than two decades but she started out as a producer and was based in Westminster for five years before becoming a reporter.

She held a number of roles, including Wales and West of England correspondent, political correspondent, and health editor.

Emily had recently been promoted to health and science editor and had been excited about the new challenge.

In her role as health editor, she had led ITV News’ Covid-19 coverage, reporting from the frontline of hospitals throughout the pandemic, producing numerous investigations into PPE failures, Long Covid, among many others.

Health secretary Steve Barclay said he was “sad” to hear of the news.

“Her exemplary reporting throughout the Covid pandemic was a vital public service – helping to keep people safe. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time,” he wrote on Twitter.

Jeremy Hunt, chancellor and former health secretary, said Emily’s death was “devastating”.

He tweeted: “Emily was a superb journalist and a truly lovely person with whom I was truly lucky to work over many years. Goodness me life is cruel but we are all thinking of her amazing contribution as well as her treasured family today.”

ITV News Editor Andrew Dagnell said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our remarkable colleague, Emily Morgan.

“Emily was not only an incredibly talented journalist, but a much-loved member of the ITV Newsroom and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.”

“As our health and science editor, Emily played a pivotal role in shaping our coverage through some of the most important stories of our time, including her courageous reporting through the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting hospitals and health care workers on the front lines, and sharing their stories with our viewers.”

“Her reporting was instrumental in exposing the immense pressure and strain that NHS workers were under, and she became a trusted voice for the public during an unprecedented time.

“Emily’s passion for the role was evident in everything she did and her work was a constant reminder of why journalism matters.”

“Her dedication to informing and educating our viewers will continue to inspire all those who were privileged to work alongside her.

“Our thoughts are with Emily’s family. Emily was proud to be a journalist, but she was even more proud of her family.

“She adored them. We are sending them our love and support at this unthinkably difficult time.

“Emily was an exceptional journalist, a devoted mother and wife and a true trailblazer in our field.

Her friendship, her professionalism and her enormous contribution to our industry and to the public conversation will not be forgotten.”

Rachel Corp, chief executive of ITN also paid tribute, saying: “Emily played a pivotal role in ITV News for many years and her exceptional talent, unwavering commitment to the team and compassionate approach were evident to all of us.” 

“Emily’s impact extends to the wider ITN family; she devoted her energy and skills to ITN for over two decades.

“Those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside her would agree that Emily cared deeply about everything she did, and her dedication was as clear behind the scenes as it was on screen.”

“This is why her absence will also be felt by our viewers, not least given her courageous, calm and compassionate reporting during Covid-19.

“When our viewers were in lock-down, anxiously awaiting daily updates, it was Emily who was there for them – a trusted and familiar face, guiding them through complex scientific reports and data, and tackling misinformation and conspiracy theories.

“She was there on the frontline, speaking to patients and healthcare workers in hospitals and care homes, doing so much incredible work to shed light on the pressures faced by NHS workers and the impact of Covid on the vulnerable.

“Emily touched the lives of many with her knowledge, kindness and empathy – those she worked with, those she interviewed, those watching from home.

“She had so much to be proud of in her career, and in her life with her devoted family.”