Sarah’s pals on her cancer battle: “Her strength and resilience will help her get through this”
● Sarah Harding tragically reveals she’s battling breast cancer and it has advanced to other parts of her body ● Her pal and CBB co-star Sandi Bogle believes her strength and the support of fans will help her through ● Closer’s psychological therapist E
She’s famous for being one fifth of legendary band Girls Aloud, her party girl shenanigans and controversial relationships – but last week Sarah Harding hit the headlines after tragically revealing she was suffering from breast cancer.
The former popstar, 38, shared the heartbreaking news with her followers on social media, and vowed that despite the advanced stage of the disease, she’s “doing [her] best to keep positive”.
She wrote, “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.”
The news prompted support from her fans – who had previously expressed concern at her low profile on social media and absence from the limelight. There were even reports in March last year that the singer had given up on fame, retiring from the spotlight and quitting social media.
Her celebrity friends also shared well wishes – with former bandmate Cheryl posting a heartbreak emoji and Nadine Coyle writing, “I love you!!!! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!! I’m here for you all the way & always will be!!!”
DEVASTATING
Loose Women star Carol McGiffin, 60 – who was treated for cancer and has been clear of it for five years –spoke about her “devastation” for Sarah.
She said, “I feel for Sarah because it is the hardest thing. You get the diagnosis and you get used to that, but then you have to tell other people – it’s difficult.
“For her to have to do that and tell the world is, well, I feel for her. It’s devastating, especially as she’s been given the terrible news it’s spread.”
Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny believes sharing the news with her followers, family and friends will be of support to Sarah.
Emma says, “The diagnosis will have been traumatic and shocking for Sarah, especially
as she’s so young. Psychologically, it’ll have been difficult to come to terms with – realising your own mortality and that you’re battling something you don’t have control over.
“But sharing the news and having the support from her fans and friends will have helped her morale – with so many people sharing stories, offering advice and propping her up.
And science has also shown that stress can correlate to health, so sharing the news will benefit Sarah psychologically and, perhaps, physiologically too.”
Since rising to fame on Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002, where she was chosen to join
Girls Aloud, Sarah has had a successful career in the spotlight – with the band amassing multiple number-one singles, two number-one albums and a BRIT Award for single The Promise.
Her love of a big night out earned her the nickname “Hardcore Harding” from bandmates for her ability to outdrink the girls and party into the early hours, with Sarah regularly papped on nights out.
ADDICTIONS
The band split in 2009 – and Sarah’s partying came to a head in 2011 when she checked into rehab for addiction to alcohol and sleeping pills, and depression, after her split with DJ fiancé Tom Crane. She said at the time, “I’ve been told that was when I hit my worst. I was crying hysterically. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, terrified – my emotions were all over the place.”
She went on to date Theo De Vries, music producer Mark Foster and Celebrity Big Brother co-star Chad Johnson. But despite her struggles, Sarah released a solo album and ventured into acting, starring in Coronation Street, St Trinian’s 2 and Run For Your Wife, alongside Danny Dyer.
And she had stints in reality
TV – appearing in Celebrity MasterChef, The Jump and winning CBB in 2017.
Emma adds, “Sarah’s been through so much – and bounced back after hardships. Her strength and resilience will help get her through this, and what she’s overcome in the past will put her in good stead for her fight against this disease.”
By Lily Smith
SHE GOT THE DIAGNOSIS BUT THEN SHE HAD TO TELL THE WORLD. IT’S DEVASTATING