Sarah Harding: Girls Aloud singer has died aged 39 after cancer diagnosis

Singer Sarah Harding has died aged 39 after being diagnosed with cancer, her mother has announced on social media.

The singer revealed last August that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, which had spread to other parts of her body.

Her mother Marie announced the death on Instagram and described her "beautiful" daughter as "a bright shining star".

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She said: "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.

File photo dated 07/10/2013 of Sarah Harding arriving at the 2013 Pride of Britain awards at Grosvenor House, London. The Girls Aloud star has died at the age of 39, her mother has said in a post on InstagramFile photo dated 07/10/2013 of Sarah Harding arriving at the 2013 Pride of Britain awards at Grosvenor House, London. The Girls Aloud star has died at the age of 39, her mother has said in a post on Instagram
File photo dated 07/10/2013 of Sarah Harding arriving at the 2013 Pride of Britain awards at Grosvenor House, London. The Girls Aloud star has died at the age of 39, her mother has said in a post on Instagram

"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. - Marie x"

Tributes have been paid to Harding from pop stars and TV personalities.

Her Girls Aloud bandmate Nadine Coyle said on Instagram that she is "absolutely devastated" by the news.

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She added: "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!!!"

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Music manager Louis Walsh said he would remember Harding with "great fondness".

In a statement, he said: "It's just sad she has gone too young. She was always fun and the life and soul of the party.

"Anytime she came to Dublin in the early days we went out to the Pod nightclub and would be the last to leave.

"It's just so unfair, I was hoping she was getting better. She was fun and loved music, dancing and life. I will remember her with great fondness."

Geri Horner of the Spice Girls, who was also a judge on The Rivals, wrote on Twitter: "Rest in peace, Sarah Harding. You'll be remembered for the light and joy you brought to the world."

Former Big Brother host, Davina McCall, wrote: "So so sad to hear about Sarah ... a star from the get go, hugely fun and outgoing yet also somehow fragile ... love to her family and friends."

Earlier this year, Harding said she was told by a doctor she will probably not be alive next Christmas.

In an extract of her memoir, titled Hear Me Out, Harding wrote: "In December my doctor told me that the upcoming Christmas would probably be my last.

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"Comfort and being as pain-free as possible is what's important to me now."

Harding said she is "trying to live and enjoy every second of my life, however long it might be".

"I am having a glass of wine or two during all this, because it helps me relax," she added.

"I'm sure some people might think that's not a great idea, but I want to try to enjoy myself.

"I'm at a stage now where I don't know how many months I have left.

"Who knows, maybe I'll surprise everyone, but that's how I'm looking at things."

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