Sarah Harding has died aged 39, after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last year.
The sad news was confirmed by the Girls Aloud star’s mum Marie via Instagram on Sunday.
She wrote: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.”
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“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,” Marie revealed.
“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. – Marie x”
Sarah was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last year, but the cancer in her body sadly spread, and she was told by doctors that Christmas 2020 would “probably” be her last.
In her biography Hear Me Out, which was released back in March, the singer revealed her mum Marie had been by her side throughout her cancer battle.
She wrote: “In a strange way it’s comforting to know that I will probably leave this world before she does; at least then I won’t have to go through the pain of losing her.”
“The truth is, I can’t live without her now, she cares for me and helps me because, at times, I am too weak to help myself.”
“I’m trying to live and enjoy every second of my life, no matter how long it may be. I’m at the stage now where I don’t know how many months I have left. Who knows, maybe I’ll surprise everyone,” Sarah continued.
“Right now I am trying to find joy whenever and however I can. Life has got so much smaller and my priorities have changed, but the other Sarah Harding is still in there somewhere too.”
Some of Sarah’s showbiz friends have been paying tribute to her on Twitter. Take a look:
R.I.P. Pop Music Icon Sarah Harding! Strength and Love to her friends and family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pZtj8g5ETY
— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) September 5, 2021
💔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. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/3Muq6w1BqL
— Oritsé Williams (@Oritse) September 5, 2021
So devastating. Rest peacefully Sarah Harding, a star I grew up singing along to ♥️ pic.twitter.com/4xX8XdXGVR
— Olivia Bowen (@OliviaDBuck) September 5, 2021
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Sarah Harding. What a beautiful girl and person she really was. I don’t claim to have known her very well but what I did know was how fun and kind she really was. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Sleep tight x
— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) September 5, 2021
Such sad news. RIP Sarah xx https://t.co/VeBxHe7pws
— antanddec (@antanddec) September 5, 2021
