My secret cancer fight by Girls Aloud star Sarah, 38
GIRLS ALOUD STAR SARAH, 38, REVEALS DEVASTATING BLOW
GIRLS Aloud singer Sarah Harding has revealed she is battling breast cancer – which has spread to other parts of her body.
The star, 38, delivered the heartbreaking news on Twitter, adding that she is now having weekly chemotherapy sessions.
She told fans: “I am fighting as hard as I possibly can.”
Sarah kept her cancer battle a secret from her Girls Aloud bandmates for months before revealing her illness in a series of tearful phone calls this week.
The group – Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh – were said to be “floored” by the news.
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. They are closer than ever as a unit.”
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Sarah is being cared for by her mother Marie, 80.
A source said: “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.”
Publicly, Cheryl simply shared a broken heart emoji in response to the news.
Nadine wrote on social media: “I love you! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed. I am here for you all the way and always will be.”
Sarah shared a photo of herself online in her hospital gown next to machines.
She added a message next to it revealing her illness yesterday. The message said: “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.
“I understand this might be shocking to read on social media and that really isn’t my intention.
“But last week it was mentioned online that I had been seen in hospital, so I feel now is the time to let people know what’s going on and this is the best way I can think of to do so.
“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.”
Sarah has maintained a low profile in recent years and wrote “taking a timeout” on her Twitter page last year.
News of Sarah’s cancer battle led to an outpouring of support from other celebrities.
Loose Women panellist Carol McGiffin – diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 – said telling others was “the hardest thing”.
She added: “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’s Sally Dynevor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, added: “My heart goes out to Sarah Harding. It is really difficult to tell people.”