A MUCH-LOVED hospital worker who lost his life during service in the pandemic has been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem.
David Morgan, a logistics team leader in the theatres team at Hereford County Hospital, died after contracting the virus in 2021.
Despite the "very best care" on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital, he died on January 28, 2021, leaving his "whole family devastated".
Staff lined the streets to say goodbye, pay their final respects, and applaud David, who had been working in the theatres department since 2014.
He had been described as much-loved and everyone’s go-to guy at the heart of the theatre’s team by colleagues.
The trust said his knowledge of theatres, their equipment, cost and location was encyclopaedic, and he was always ready with a kind word, a helpful nod or a funny story.
David's wife, Penny, said that the family feel "incredibly proud and honoured" that David was awarded the emblem, which was presented to them by the lord lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley today (March 2).
Mrs Morgan would also like to sincerely thank the Reverend Wayne Davies for hosting the presentation, along with Mrs Harley, family, friends and members of the congregation, for making it "such a special day".
The Elizabeth Emblem was awarded to more than 100 public servants in 2025 who died in service, and is the civil equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action.
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