Sarah Harding's death dramatically changed the way Cheryl Tweedy looks at life.
Manchester legend Sarah, tragically died aged 39 on September 5, 2021, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Following her diagnosis, Sarah later confirmed that the disease had advanced to various parts of her body. Despite her diagnosis, Sarah continued to put on a fight and updated fans on her condition.
However, she had initially responded well to treatment but in a heartbreaking admission, said how Christmas 2020 would be her last Christmas. Sarah had been a part of Girls Aloud, alongside her bandmates Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts since 2002, dominating the charts with hits such as The Promise and Something New.
This year, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their single I'll Stand By You, the girls are re-releasing the track but with a tear-jerking twist. I'll Stand By You (Sarah's edition) has been released today as the official Children In Need single, two days before Sarah's birthday.
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Getty Images)Speaking after Sarah's death, Cheryl opened up about how the news had affected the group and how Sarah made each member of the chart-mauling band to continue as a four piece without her. In a candid chat with MailOnline, Tweedy admits Sarah's devastating diagnosis brought the group closer.
Since their disbandment in 2013, their relationship had become fractured, with Sarah and Nadine remaining close friends, while Cheryl, Nicola and Kimberley stayed in contact with one another, "A lot of conversations we had before she left really sparked a different perspective for me, and I'll carry that," Cheryl told the outlet.
She went on to say: "She wasn't ready to leave and I think, 'well I'm still here', I've got the gift of life to still live, and I'll do it with her in mind. It does shift a lot of things in your own heart." She told the outlet that following Sarah's loss, the band "appreciate and love each other so much more". "We always have loved each other, obviously. But it's just a different, there's a different depth to it all now."
Sarah's last wish had been for the band to tour again to celebrate their 20th anniversary, as well as raising vital funds for The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal. Sarah's memory was kept very much alive on their tour, The Girls Aloud Show, with her iconic "Take a walk on the wild side of life," from Something New being played across the arenas.
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Getty Images)As the band wrapped up their performance, a huge screen appeared on stage during The Promise, allowing Sarah to shine once again as she belted out: "So here I am, a walking primrose, wondering when I'm gonna see you again," as fans and the band cheered for the late star. Moments before the four girls walked off stage, a photograph of Sarah appeared behind them alongside the text: "In loving memory of Sarah Nicole Harding. 17.11.81 05.09.2021."
Since her death, Sarah's former bandmates have raised over £1.2million in aid of The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, in partnership with The Christie Charity. Earlier this year, the Mirror revealed that Sarah's death could save thousands of lives. If a study launched in Sarah's memory is successful, says her oncologist Dr Sacha Howell, it could be rolled out nationwide. Pop-up clinics in handy spots such as supermarket car parks would offer women DNA testing and low-dose mammograms. Unlike regular mammograms, which look for tumours, these examine breast density, believed to identify those at higher risk of breast cancer.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support. The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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