Singer has died aged 39
(Picture: Getty Images)Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has died at the age of 39 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The singer previously shared the news of her diagnosis with fans on Instagram in August 2020.
Harding’s mother Marie shared the heartbreaking news on Sunday, saying: “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. 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.”
Last year she was told by doctors that Christmas 2020 “would probably be her last”.
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In her 2021 memoir Hear Me Out she wrote of how she underwent a mastectomy and intensive chemotherapy after her breast cancer diagnosis. Sadly, the cancer had spread to her spine.
After the news was announced, thousands paid tribute to the singer.
Her bandmate Nicola Roberts shared a series of photos of them together during Girls Aloud’s early years and wrote in a long tribute: “I’m absolutely devastated and I can’t accept that this day has come...
“A part of me or us isn’t here anymore and it’s unthinkable and painful and utterly cruel. She would have loved your messages today.”
Roberts described her bandmate as “Electric girl” and added: “You gave it everything and still with a smile. A white butterfly flew past my window this morning before I knew, it must have been you.”
Nadine Coyle, meanwhile, also a member of the band, posted a photo of Harding smiling broadly on Instagram and said she was “absolutely devastated” by the news.
Others paid tribute on social media:
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
Rest in peace, Sarah Harding. You’ll be remembered for the light and joy you brought to the world. X
— Geri Horner (@GeriHalliwell) September 5, 2021
What terribly sad news about Sarah Harding. None of all that amazing music would have been the same without her spark.
— Peter Robinson (@Popjustice) September 5, 2021
Girls Aloud were the best band these islands produced this century, and Sarah Harding was the engine of their raucous, hell-for-leather spirit that always made me feel like I was at the party, even when I was a lost and lonely kid. RIP, raise a glass for her today x
— Sean Bernard (@seanbgoneill) September 5, 2021
What terribly sad news about Sarah Harding. None of all that amazing music would have been the same without her spark.
— Peter Robinson (@Popjustice) September 5, 2021
RIP Sarah Harding. Not even 40 years old and has sadly lost her battle with breast cancer. Thinking of her many friends, family and fans. pic.twitter.com/QcbgN15xYd
— Tony Shepherd (@tonysheps) September 5, 2021
sarah harding was only 39, where’s the rhyme or reason? makes you feel sick knowing how fast things can unfairly change. sounds so cliché but moments like this make you realise you really do have to live every day doing whatever makes you happy because tomorrow isn’t a guarantee.
— ︎joe (@jxeker) 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
So terribly sad. 39 is no age. R.I.P Sarah Harding.
— tamzin outhwaite (@mouthwaite) September 5, 2021
So devastating to hear of Sarah Harding’s passing. I pray that she knows only eternal peace and that her family are comforted in their grief ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0ptNNhvbu5
— Chizzy (@chizzyakudolu) September 5, 2021
Can’t quite believe it 💔 rest in peace to Sarah Harding, a devastating loss, gone way way too soon. Girls Aloud was such a huge part of my childhood, it’s just so surreal she’s gone. Thoughts are with her family ❤️
— Mae Muller 🌹 (@maemuller_) September 5, 2021
Such sad news, gone far too soon. RIP Sarah Harding 💔
— Michelle Hardwick (@ChelleHardwick) September 5, 2021
Bloody awful news - 💔RIP Sarah Harding. Heartbreaking to lose one so young. Thoughts with her loved ones and fans 💔 May her soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/ndiaT9K6Ry
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) September 5, 2021
We’re so sorry to hear that Sarah Harding has died from breast cancer, aged 39. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans today 💜
— Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) September 5, 2021
actually so heartbroken about the news of sarah harding’s passing. one of my childhood hero’s 💔 what a woman. tragic, such a loss 😭 #sarahharding pic.twitter.com/voRdgC2l8a
— sammiee (@SammieeJay_) September 5, 2021
So utterly, utterly sad about Sarah Harding, a woman so full of spirit, attitude and talent gone so young. A huge loss ❤️
— Jennifer Williams (@JenWilliamsMEN) September 5, 2021
Just popping on to say Sarah Harding didn't 'lose her battle with cancer', and those who survive don't 'win'. Headlines like this are far too simplistic and ignore the fact that some people can't survive this awful disease and that's not through any fault of their own. RIP Sarah.
— Rose Stokes (@RoseStokes) September 5, 2021
Sarah Harding said “Don’t Be Bitter, Glitter” and I really think we could all stand to embody that a little bit more 💖 pic.twitter.com/fplYyJ7Sv2
— matt horwood (@matthewhorwood) 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 truly at a loss for words. Sarah’s beautiful spirit will live on forever!
— Cheryl Hole (@CherylHoleQueen) September 5, 2021
Girls Aloud we’re fundamental in shaping the person I am today and Sarah really proved you can see the light and fun in life.
Sending so much love & support to Sarah’s family! ❤️
RIP Sarah Harding 🌹 pic.twitter.com/jHvU30DicX
The Girl Band that defined UK pop music for over a decade.
— Doug 🏳️🌈 (@DougJ7777) September 5, 2021
RIP Sarah Harding. pic.twitter.com/6fCh6VUU1I
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
The saddest news after the best day.
— Daniel Rosney (@DanielRosney) September 5, 2021
We’ll remember her when we dance along in clubs, when the songs come on the radio and every time we walk up Primrose Hill.
Sarah Harding. What a woman.
Go shine x pic.twitter.com/hElWr4uo5G
Ah no…. So sad to hear about Sarah Harding’s passing. Fuck cancer man….
— Nathalie Emmanuel (@missnemmanuel) September 5, 2021
So sad to hear the news about Sarah Harding. One of my proudest moments was helping to put her on a space hoverboard made out of a colander and an old ironing board for Top of the Pops magazine. A true pop star. We’ll miss you, Sarah. pic.twitter.com/1wSEjdtXA4
— Paul Lang (@rudemrlang) September 5, 2021
I think by now Biology is universally accepted as Girls Aloud’s Bohemian Rhapsody (except better), but their banger rate was exceptional. One of their many highlights was singing Can't Speak French in French, rendering the lyrics of the song meaningless https://t.co/YqAb8FEIhG
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) September 5, 2021
Sarah Harding 1981 - 2021
