Girls Aloud star, 38: I’ve got cancer
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding bravely reveals she has breast cancer — and that it has spread
GIRLS Aloud star Sarah Harding has revealed she has advanced breast cancer.
In an emotional social media post yesterday, the singer said she was diagnosed early this year but learned recently it has spread.
Miss Harding, 38, who with Girls Aloud had four No 1 singles, told fans she is undergoing weekly chemotherapy. The singer’s post immediately drew thousands of comments of support, including from her former bandmates.
Sharing a selfie which appeared to have been taken in hospital, Miss Harding wrote: ‘I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times. I’ve not posted on here for so long, thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in on me, it really does mean a lot. I feel now is the right time to share what’s been going on.
‘There’s no easy way to say this and actually it doesn’t even feel real writing this, but here goes. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a couple of weeks ago I received the devastating news that the cancer has advanced to other parts of my body. I’m currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can.’
She praised her ‘ amazing mum, family and close friends’ for helping her through, as well as the ‘wonderful NHS doctors and nurses who have been and continue to be heroes’.
Former bandmate Cheryl Tweedy posted a broken heart emoji, while Nadine Coyle wrote: ‘I love you!!! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!! I am here for [you] all the way & always will be!!’
Miss Harding said she had been prompted to speak out after reports surfaced last week that she had been admitted to hospital.
She said she did not intend her statement to be shocking but she believed it was the best way to break the news. ‘I am doing my very best to keep positive and will keep you updated here with how I’m getting on,’ she added. ‘ In the meantime I hope you’ll all understand and respect my request for privacy during this difficult time.’
Miss Harding found fame alongside Miss Tweedy, Miss Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh in Girls Aloud when the group won ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
They had 20 consecutive Top Ten hits including four UK No 1s. Their debut single Sound Of The Underground topped the chart for a month. Other hits included I’ll Stand By You, The Promise, Love Machine, Jump and Call The Shots. They sold 4.3million singles and 4million albums in the UK, doing six tours before announcing a hiatus in 2009.
Miss Harding went into acting but her social life took its toll. She was treated in a rehabilitation centre in Cape Town for alcohol dependence and depression in 2011, after splitting from her fiance, DJ Tom Crane.
Girls Aloud briefly reunited in 2012 but split the following year. Miss Harding released a solo single but it failed to chart. She took a short-term role in Coronation Street and appeared in several reality TV shows, including The Jump. In 2017, she won Celebrity Big Brother.
Yesterday Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, said: ‘My heart goes out to Sarah Harding. It is really difficult to tell people. I remember telling my fellow cast members. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Also having to tell my children.’
Loose Women panellist Carol McGiffin, 60, who underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, said telling others was ‘the hardest thing’.
‘I am fighting as hard as I can’