Girls Aloud star ‘fought’ cancer ‘incredibly hard for 15 months’ as Cheryl joins tributes

SARAH SAID SHE HAD BECOME CLOSE WITH HER GIRLS ALOUD BANDMATES AGAIN

In her book, Sarah Harding wrote about reuniting with her Girls Aloud bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh and Nadine Coyle and said they had become close again.

She also spoke candidly about her experience of living with cancer and told how she had almost died following a battle with sepsis while in hospital.

HOW SARAH HARDING’S CANCER DIAGNOSIS REUNITED GIRLS ALOUD AFTER YEARS OF ‘BITTER’ FEUDING BETWEEN CHERYL AND NADINE

After their split in 2013, Cheryl and Nadine Coyle had a huge, public falling out.

And Cheryl, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh hadn’t spoken to Sarah Harding – who tragically died yesterday, aged 39 – or Nadine in years.

Their original manager Louis Walsh even claimed the girls “never liked each other”.

But, when Sarah was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer last year, the girls – who met and were put together on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 – rallied around and finally put all their differences aside.

They enjoyed a secret reunion weekend away at Soho Farmhouse earlier this year.

Cheryl said at the time: “It was a lovely trip away for us all, and Sarah was at her best.”

BRAVE SARAH PREVIOUSLY REVEALED HOW SHE CONTRACTED SEPSIS

Prior to starting chemo, Sarah contracted sepsis after a port was fitted into her chest, leaving her in intensive care.

She added: “With both my lungs and kidneys failing, doctors decided to put me into an induced coma.

“Even once I was off the ventilator I couldn’t speak properly. All I could do was make noises a chimpanzee trying to communicate.”

SARAH HARDING TRIBUTE FROM ANT & DEC ON TWITTER

A tweet from the official account of Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly said: “Such sad news. RIP Sarah xx”.

WHAT DID SARAH HARDING SAY ABOUT HER TREATMENT?

Sarah said she was rushed to intensive care before her chemotherapy treatment had even begun after a port fitted into her chest led to sepsis.

“With both my lungs and kidneys failing, doctors decided to put me into an induced coma,” wrote Sarah. “Even once I was off the ventilator I couldn’t speak properly. All I could do was make noises like a chimpanzee trying to communicate.”

After coming out of a coma, Sarah went on to start chemo and had a mastectomy.

Before the operation, she recalled how surgeons made a drawing of the parts of her breast that would need to be removed and she was horrified to see it was ‘virtually all of it.’

The singer said she ‘screamed the place down’ when she came round from the op and was relieved to have her mum by her side.

“Now there’s just a bunch of stitches where my breast used to be. I can’t look at myself in the mirror anymore. I don’t recognise myself,’” she admitted.

KATIE PRICE IN EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO SARAH HARDING WHO WAS A BRIDESMAID AT HER WEDDING AS SHE BREAKS SOCIAL MEDIA SILENCE

Katie Price broke her social media silence today to pay tribute to her friend and former bridesmaid Sarah Harding.

Katie, who hasn’t posted for two weeks after an alleged assault, shared a picture of them together on Loose Women.

Writing 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 the all 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. ❤.”

SARAH HARDING GUSHED SHE WAS ‘SO SO HAPPY’ AFTER MAKING NUMBER 1 ON ITUNES IN TRAGIC LAST INSTAGRAM POST

In her final Instagram post in March, the Girls Aloud star thanked her fans, saying she was overwhelmed by their support.

Sharing the cover image, Sarah wrote: “OMG. I can’t believe it. Number one on iTunes. 

“I’m a bit overwhelmed, but so so happy. Thank you thank you.”

Tributes today poured in for the singer, whose mum revealed had “slipped away” after fighting the terrible disease.

EXPLAINED: WHEN DID SARAH HARDING TRAGICALLY PASS AWAY?

On September 5, her mum, Marie, posted on Instagram: “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. 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.

WHAT TV SHOW AND FILMS DID SARAH HARDING APPEAR IN?

Alongside her Girls Aloud bandmates, Harding made a cameo appearance in St. Trinian’s in 2007. She took on her first major acting role in 2008, appearing in the low-budget thriller Bad Day. Harding wore a brunette wig for the role of Jade Jennings.

During Girls Aloud’s hiatus, Harding decided to focus on her acting career. “Singing was always my main ambition, but acting was something else I wanted to achieve,” Harding said.

Harding appeared in Freefall aired on BBC Two in July 2009. Harding portrayed Sam, the beautician girlfriend of Dominic Cooper’s character.

Later that year, Harding returned to the St. Trinian’s franchise with a starring role in St. Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold.

Despite her age, Harding portrayed teenage rebel Roxy, a new student at St. Trinian’s School.

PICTURED: SARAH HARDING WINS CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER

Sarah Harding has tragically passed away following a battle with breast cancer.

The former Girl Aloud star won Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.

Here is the pop favourite leaving the house as the winner of the show to rapturous applause.

WHO WAS SARAH HARDING?

Sarah Harding was a singer and actor who found fame in legendary pop band Girls Aloud.

She sang alongside Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, but the group split in 2013, just a year after they reunited for their ten year anniversary.

She has also had roles in St Trinian’s in 2007 and BBC television film Freefall.

She also appeared briefly in Coronation Street in 2015 for a few episodes playing Joni – the wife of returning character Robert Preston.

Sarah has made guest appearances on TV shows such as Tumble, Celebrity MasterChef, Dating in the Dark and Celebrity Juice.

Away from the screens, she has also modelled including for Ultimo lingerie.

TRIBUTES FROM THE CELEB WORLD CONTINUE TO POUR IN

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall, 53, added: “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.”

Piers Morgan said: “RIP Sarah Harding, 39. A fabulous pop star & delightful lady. Such incredibly sad news.”

Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, 39, wrote: “I am so sorry for your loss, this is heartbreaking 💔 Thinking of you all x.”

Denise Van Outen, 47, shared a picture of them together, saying: “Rest in peace beautiful Sarah. 💔.”

Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps added: “Fly high beautiful Sarah xx I will miss you xx 💔.”

TV star Fearne Cotton wrote: “Oh my gosh I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m sending your family so much love and strength.

“She was always kind and so much fun to be around. I’m very sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to you 🙏🏼.”

EXPLAINED: WHO WERE GIRLS ALOUD?

After Girls Aloud were created in 2002 on ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals, Sarah went on to have a glittering music career with the band.

The group, who split in 2013, had four No1 singles and 21 UK top ten hits, as well as two No1 albums.

CALUM BEST ‘REMEMBERS THE FUN TIMES AND ADVERTURES’ HE HAD WITH SARAH HARDING

Reality TV star Calum Best has spoken of the “crazy fun times and adventures” he had with Sarah Harding.

He said on Twitter: “Jesus this one hits home, so damn sad, so young. I hope u rest In peace Sarah we had some crazy fun times and adventures.

“U will be so very missed. Sending so much love to ur mom.”

His post was accompanied by three pictures of him with the former Girls Aloud member.

KIMBERLEY WALSH REVEALS GIRLS ALOUD REUNION IS ON HOLD

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the 39-year-old revealed any reunion is on hold saying all of the girls have made their co-star’s health a priority.

And Kimberley – who is due to give birth to her third child any day now – explained how she, Cheryl, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts have all been getting together to look after their pal.

It will be 20 years since Girls Aloud burst onto the music scene with their debut hit single, Sound of the Underground.

But, when asked if there were any plans for a reunion, Kimberley insisted all the girls have made Sarah’s health a priority.

Read more here.

SARAH HARDING’S INCREDIBLE FIRST AUDITION FOR GIRLS ALOUD THAT CHANGED HER LIFE AS STAR DIES AGED 39

The star, whose death aged just 39 was announced by her devastated mum today, appeared as a young wannabe on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

Sarah impressed the judging panel performing the Steps song Last Thing on My Mind without so much as a microphone.

Pete Waterman, who was a judge alongside Geri Halliwell and Louis Walsh, instantly put her through to the next round saying: “You’re going to London.”

The band, which was assembled by the team of experts, eventually saw Sarah joined by Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.

Read the article in full here.

EXPLAINED: DID SARAH HARDING HAVE CHILDREN?

Sarah didn’t have any children but always wanted them.

On finding out advanced breast cancer, opened up in her heartbreaking book Hear Me Out.

Sarah said among the “sad thoughts” she’d been having was “the idea that I’ll never have children”.

She wrote: “That one came to me the other day when I was talking to Cheryl on the phone.

“I was saying how we never thought Nadine [Coyle] would be the first one of us to have a child, and that now three of them have kids.

“It might seem odd to worry about not having children when I don’t even know how much of a life I have left, but it’s there.

“The truth is, even if my prognosis was better, it still wouldn’t be on the cards because of all the chemotherapy I’ve had.

“That treatment, harsh as it is, will have killed any chance I might have had. It’s making me cry just thinking about it.”

Read the article in full here.

SARAH ONCE SAID CHRISTMAS 2020 WOULD BE HER LAST

Sarah also wrote about being told how the Christmas just past would be her last and explained she had asked doctors not to give her a time.

She explained: “I don’t want an exact prognosis. I don’t know why anyone would want that. Comfort and being as pain-free as possible is what’s important to me now.

“Silly little things make me happy: my lie-ins, watching Family Guy on TV through the night when I can’t sleep, roasting a chicken for Mum and me on a Sunday, if I’m feeling up to it.”

DEVASTATED SARAH HARDING FANS RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN HER MEMORY AFTER HER TRAGIC DEATH AGED 39

Sarah Harding’s devastated fans have set up a fundraising page in her memory to support the cancer treatment centre that cared for the singer before her death.

Natasha Young, one of the people behind the page, wrote: “Lets try and raise as much money as we can for The Christie who cared for Sarah in her time of need.”

She said the fundraiser has the backing of Sarah’s management who called it a “lovely idea”.

So far it has raised £730.

Pop star Sarah died aged 39 barely 12 months after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

The Girls Aloud star was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer last August and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.

Read more here.

CHERYL TELLS SARAH HARDING ‘I LOVE YOU… FAREWELL’ IN HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE AS GIRLS ALOUD MOURN LATE CO-STAR

The Girls Aloud star, 39, died yesterday after she was shockingly diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in August 2020.

Heartbroken Cheryl said: “Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft-hearted girl has departed.

“As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans. We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name.

“I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times.

“She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most. I also realise so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah’s passing… I am sending you all so much love, I love you Sarah… farewell.

“Sarah Nicole Harding forever in our hearts.”

MORE ON SARAH’S TRAGIC DEATH:

• Sarah gushed about being ‘so happy’ in her final Instagram post
• Tributes have poured in from celeb pals led by her famous ex
• Inside Sarah’s fun-loving life from Girls Aloud glory to reality fame
• Sarah passed away with her family by her side

EXPLAINED: WHO IS SARAH HARDING?

Harding, born in Ascot in Berkshire, rose to fame in 2002 as a contestant on Popstars: The Rivals.

Girls Aloud was created on the show and the group went on to score the Christmas number one that year with their debut single Sound Of The Underground.

The band went on to release five studio albums, two of which topped the Official Charts Company rankings.

In addition to her pop success, Harding enjoyed a varied career in acting and television.

Some of her early credits include roles in the St Trinian’s films and BBC drama Freefall, opposite Dominic Cooper.

She also made a guest appearance in Coronation Street as Joni in 2015 and was subsequently invited back to feature in more episodes of the ITV soap.

DAVINA MCCALL’S TRIBUTE TO ‘HUGELY FUN’ SARAH HARDING

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall wrote in a tribute to Sarah Harding: “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.”

Sarah won Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and became friends with her following the show.

SARAH HARDING’S INCREDIBLE FIRST AUDITION FOR GIRLS ALOUD THAT CHANGED HER LIFE

The star, whose death aged just 39 was announced by her devastated mum today, appeared as a young wannabe on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

Sarah impressed the judging panel performing the Steps song Last Thing on My Mind without so much as a microphone.

Pete Waterman, who was a judge alongside Geri Halliwell and Louis Walsh, instantly put her through to the next round saying: “You’re going to London.”

The band, which was assembled by the team of experts, eventually saw Sarah joined by Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.

Read the article in full here.

DENISE VAN OUTEN LEAVES MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON INSTAGRAM POST FROM SARAH HARDING’S MOTHER

Denise Van Outen commented on the Instagram post from Sarah Harding’s mother, Marie, announcing her death.

Van Outen wrote: “This is so heartbreaking. Rest in peace beautiful Sarah. Thinking of you all. Family and friends”