NICOLA PAYS TRIBUTE TO GIRLS ALOUD’S SARAH
GIRLS Aloud’s Nicola Roberts has shared a heartbreaking tribute to Sarah Harding – who died aged 39.
The popstar, from Runcorn, posted a picture on Instagram with her former bandmate who lost her battle with breast cancer.
Nicola captioned the image to say she has been left ‘absolutely devastated’ by the loss.
She said: “I’m absolutely devastated and I can’t accept that this day has come. My heart is aching and all day everything we went through together has raced round my mind.
“Especially this last year since her diagnosis, as hard as the year has been, our new memories are strong in my heart.”
She added: “There are so many things to say and at first it felt too personal to put them here and then
I remembered that there are so many other people grieving her too.
“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.”
The post continued: “Electric girl, you made us. 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.”
Nicola is the second Girls Aloud bandmate to pay tribute to Sarah after Nadine Coyle posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
The Northern Irish singer said: “I am absolutely devastated!! I can’t think of words that could possibly express how I feel about this girl & what she means to me!! I know so many of you will be feeling this way. For now I’m sending so much love to you !!!! ”
Sarah Harding was diagnosed with cancer in summer 2020 – and underwent gruelling treatment to beat the disease, including a mastectomy and intensive chemotherapy.
Her death was confirmed by her mum Marie on Sunday – who shared an emotional post to say how she has been left heartbroken by the loss.
The statement said: “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.”