Sarah Harding, of Girls Aloud, revealed she has cancer. (Twitter)
Sarah Harding, the beloved English singer and Girls Aloud star, revealed Wednesday (26 August) that she is battling advanced breast cancer.
In a string of tweets, the singer chronicled her diagnosis alongside a photograph of herself in a patient gown while lying in a hospital bed.
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.”
Her post was flooded with touching messages of support from thousands of fans, including some of her fellow Girls Aloud bandmates.
Hi everyone,
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. pic.twitter.com/gxzOAl71vS— Sarah Harding (@SarahNHarding) August 26, 2020
‘I am fighting as hard as I possibly can.’
Harding, 38, outlined that she is undergoing chemotherapy sessions and is “fighting” as hard as she can. She was prompted to reveal the diagnoses publicly after rumours heaved on social media that she was spotted at a hospital.
“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,” she continued.
“I am doing my very best to keep positive and will keep you updated here with how I’m getting on.”
“In the meantime, I hope you’ll all understand and respect my request for privacy during this difficult time.”
In recent years, the hitmaker has maintained a low profile, scarcely posting online other than to share her support to other singers or celebrate anniversaries of historic Girls Aloud milestones.
Fellow bandmate Cheryl Tweedy broke her own monthslong social media silence as she tweeted out a broken heart emoji mere seconds after Harding’s announcement.
💔
— Cheryl (@CherylOfficial) August 26, 2020
While on Instagram, Nadine Coyle wrote: “I love you! I have always been able to achieve miracles when needed!
“I am here for [you] all the way and always will be!”
Countless fans joined the Girls Aloud members in a chorus of support for Sarah Harding.
Hi Sarah, so, so, sorry to hear your news. The country/world will be behind you, holding your hand through this. You are strong, and can fight this awful disease. Sending massive hugs and love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/Faamdu3jiC
— Julie Light (Orton) (@julie_light) August 26, 2020
This is so devastating to hear 💔Sarah is still young, she does yoga and eats healthily, yet cancer is still so cruel and indiscriminate. I’m really hoping Sarah will be okay (because she’s from Stockport and we’re a strong lot 😉) but please remember to check you breasts pals💖 https://t.co/pITK9ukeLW
— Riva Giorno (@Bex_Potato) August 26, 2020
Send Sarah your love and support – she needs it. Devastating news. https://t.co/sGzQ17WXCP
— Pete Burns’ Confiscated Coat (@harrisonjbrock) August 26, 2020
Please send all of your love and prayers to this wonderful, brave and incredibly strong woman. Girls Aloud have been such a huge part of our lives and this is so incredibly devastating and heartbreaking 🙏🏼💔 https://t.co/tFlYibhTwF
— Lewis (@lewisdandrews) August 26, 2020