Girls Aloud stars have announced plans to raise money for breast cancer research as a tribute to their late bandmate Sarah Harding, starting with a Race For Life in her memory.
Harding died in September 2021, aged 39, after being diagnosed the previous year.
The singer and actress rose to fame with Girls Aloud alongside Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle and Kimberley Walsh following success on TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.
Her former bandmates have now announced they are working together to raise funds for research into breast cancer, saying it was a “poignant and specific wish” of Harding’s before she died.
Announcing the 5km Race For Life For Sarah event, which takes place at London’s Hyde Park on 24 July, Cheryl said in a video on Instagram: “Around this time last year, when Sarah was really sick, we were all desperately trying to find ways to help her, to comfort her, to do whatever she wanted.”
Cheryl said they all felt “helpless” while Harding was ill.
Plans for a gala fundraiser are also under way, she added, but they all wanted to do more.
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“And I know so many of you wanted to support her, you were helping her all the way through the illness,” she said to her 3.5 million followers. “And we’d really love it if you could join us there… if you can’t make it, don’t worry. People are doing it virtually, too… I hope to see you there.”
Writing on Instagram, Roberts said: “Let’s come together and make it a beautiful day for and contribute towards making a difference for other women too.”
Walsh said: “We would love for you all to join us and help us raise money in Sarah’s name. It’s an amazing opportunity to come together and celebrate her life and also make a huge contribution to the future outcomes of those affected by cancer.”
In a statement from Girls Aloud about the fundraising, they said there would be a number of activities planned for 2022, “culminating in a big industry-led gala dinner launching in the next few months that will aim to support Sarah’s wish”.
Read more: Sarah Harding’s legacy after going public with diagnosis
Speaking about the Race For Life For Sarah, they said it would be a chance for “those who loved and respected Sarah to come together with the rest of the band and celebrate her life”.
Cheryl, Roberts and Coyle will all be taking part in the event at Hyde Park, with Walsh taking part in a separate event.
Race For Life For Sarah is part of Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life series. You can sign up on the Race For Life website or by calling 0300 123 0770.
