Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has died aged 39, her mother has said in a heartfelt post today.
The singer had announced she was diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer in August last year.
Sarah had bravely fought the disease but has sadly passed away. Our condolences go to her family and friends at this tragic time.
Her mother posted on Instagram today: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. She slipped away peacefully this morning.
Our hearts are with the family of friends of Sarah Harding – she will be sorely missed 💙 https://t.co/925R3vQgJb
— NHS Million 💙 (@NHSMillion) September 5, 2021
“I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead.”
Sarah rose to fame with Girls Aloud on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002. The most successful girl band since the Spice Girls also featured Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh.
Tributes have been pouring in for Sarah on social media:
JLS member Ortise Williams tweeted: “💔Heartbreaking to hear that Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud has just passed away after a long battle with cancer. The times we met she was always so bubbly, such a big beautiful personality. My sincerest sympathies and heart goes out to Sarah’s friends, family & band members. 🙏🏾”
Martin Kemp tweeted: “Sarah Harding So sad, my heart goes out to all your friends and family and all your fans..
Rest in peace!”
Nathalie Emmanuel tweeted: “Ah no…. So sad to hear about Sarah Harding’s passing. F*ck cancer man….”
Mazz Murray tweeted: “An absolute beauty. A true pop star. A fine artist and a true fighter. Sending love and deepest sympathy to Sarah Harding’s family and friends and fans. Very sad news. #SarahHarding”
Spice Girl Geri also tweeted, saying: “Rest in peace, Sarah Harding. You’ll be remembered for the light and joy you brought to the world.”
Davina McCall wrote: “So so sad to hear about Sarah… a star from the get go, hugely fun and outgoing yet also somehow fragile… love to her family and friends”.
Sabrina Washington from Mis-Teeq said: “Our paths had crossed many a time over the years and everytime was filled with such warmth and energy. Nobody lit up a room like you did. You’ll never be forgotten – RIP Sarah Harding”
Boxing legend Frank Bruno tweeted: “Sarah Harding RIP a sad day my thoughts & Prayers are with her family and friends”
Katie Price paid tribute to Sarah Harding on Instagram, she said: “I’m devastated to hear my friend, @sarahnicoleharding has passed. You were always such a genuine and honest person, I will remember all the laughs we used to have back in the day…I always valued Sarah’s friendship and my thoughts go out to her family and friends.”
