GIRLS ALOUD SARAH’S SECRET CANCER HELL
Star Harding only told band pals of her breast cancer diagnosis this week
SARAH Harding kept her breast cancer battle a secret from her Girls Aloud bandmates for months.
The 38-year-old only told them this week and revealed it has spread.
She said: “I’m doing my best to stay positive.”
SARAH Harding’s Girls Aloud pals last night rallied round the star after she broke the devastating news she has cancer that has spread through her body.
The 38-year-old kept the illness secret for months and only told bandmates Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh about it this week in a series of emotional phone calls. She also shared a photo of herself in a hospital gown.
But Sarah, who is being cared for by her 80-year-old mum Marie, vowed to fight the malignant breast cancer – as messages support also flooded in from other celebs.
She wrote: “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 undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can. My amazing mum, family and close friends are helping me through this, and I want to say a thank you to the wonderful NHS doctors and nurses who have been and continue to be heroes. I am doing my very best to keep positive and will keep you updated.”
Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola and Kimberley were said to have been “floored” by the news.
Cheryl simply shared a broken heart emoji in response. Nadine posted: “I love you. You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed. I am here for all the way.”
Kimberley, who is starring in a London musical which premieres next week, was said to be “devastated”. She is “being supported by her cast-mates”.
Nicola wrote “It goes without saying that this is blindsiding. Sarah, you’re so loved and supported.”
A source said: “There is so much shared history between them all and to hear this from Sarah was utterly heartbreaking. They adore Sarah and are with her every step of the way.
“They’ve all shed a lot of tears but all of the girls vowed to be strong and be there for her no matter what. They are closer than ever as a unit. Sarah is very unwell and is living at home with her mum. They are both being very strong and everyone is doing all they can to support them both.” Celebrities, including those who have had cancer, last night pledged their support.
Loose Women panellist Carol McGiffin, who was diagnosed with a breast tumour in 2014 and had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, said: “It’s hard enough getting the diagnosis and you are getting used to that, but then when you have to tell other people, it’s difficult.
“I only told my family and really close friends but with every one of them I had to make a real proper effort to think it through.
“For her to have to do that and put it on social media and tell the world straight away, I feel for her. It’s devastating, especially as she has been given the terrible news that it has actually spread as well.” Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, added: “My heart goes out to Sarah Harding. I remember telling my fellow cast members.
“It was the hardest thing I have done. Also having to tell my children was really, really hard.”
Sarah, from Ascot, Berks, has maintained a low profile recently and last year changed her Twitter bio to read “taking a time out”.
In May she returned to social media for the first time since last July, sparking a delighted reaction from fans, as shared a series of tweets after her ex Chad Johnson claimed “nobody has really heard from her”, amid claims she decided to quit the limelight. Sarah shot to fame alongside Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola and Kimberley on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
Girls Aloud secured the Christmas number one that year with their debut single Sound Of The Underground. They went on to release five studio albums, two of which topped the Official Charts Company rankings.
Sarah also enjoyed a varied career in acting and television. She appeared in St Trinian’s films and the BBC drama Freefall.
And Sarah made a guest appearance on Coronation Street as Joni in 2015.
She made her stage debut in Ghost – The Musical at the New Wimbledon Theatre in South West London.
The star featured in Channel 4’s ski show The Jump but had to pull out after rupturing a ligament. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and started a relationship with fellow contestant Chad Johnson.
The pair later split. Sarah was previously engaged to DJ Tom Crane but the pair broke up in 2011. She later went into rehab for booze and sleeping pill addiction.
There has been lots of tears. The girls vowed to be strong for her
SOURCE ON SUPPORT FROM BANDMATES