‘It’s hope, it’s progress, and it’s a promise that her fight will help protect future generations’
A mural of Sarah Harding on High Street, in Stockport, by street artist Deggy(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Sarah Harding’s legacy continues to have a real impact on those living with cancer as a big update is made at The Christie hospital.
The Girls Aloud star passed away at the age of 39 from breast cancer. After her death in September 2021, a fundraiser was set up in her name supporting crucial work in the fight against the disease. Since its inception three years ago, the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal has helped raise money for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, alongside Cancer Research UK and researchers at a number of universities including The University of Manchester, to develop a set of tools that will help spot signs earlier and stop the disease from cutting lives short.
Called BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women), it aims to enable all women to have a risk assessment for breast cancer when they reach the age of 30. In addition to donations, the campaign has been supported by a 5km Race for Life in London’s Hyde Park and the Primrose Ball event, held by Girls Aloud in Sarah’s honour. More than £1m has been raised to date.
Girls Aloud performing at the BRIT Awards in 2009(Image: PA)
In an update today, the girl group, who were founded in 2002 on ITV show Popstars: The Rivals, said there have been further developments in the appeal in the form of the hire of a new full-time researcher, Dr Hannah Harrison. It was reported last year the fundraiser’s support of the research had already helped identify more than 85 women at an increased risk.
The band said: “As you know, we have continued to raise money in Sarah’s name for The Christie hospital’s groundbreaking breast cancer research. Today, The Christie announce they are appointing a new full-time researcher thanks to the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, part of The Christie Charity. Dr Hannah Harrison will spearhead an ambitious research programme to reduce breast cancer risk by developing innovative prevention strategies.”
The statement, signed by Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine and Nicola, added: “We are thrilled with the progress being made in Sarah’s name into preventing breast cancer in young women. Sarah believed in the power of progress and so to have a dedicated researcher focusing on this important work is hugely significant.
A new full-time researcher has been hired thanks to the money raised by the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal(Image: PA)
“This fellowship is more than research – it’s hope, it’s progress, and it’s a promise that her fight will help protect future generations of young women. Every breakthrough is a step towards a brighter future where young women can live free from the fear of breast cancer.”
In 2024, Girls Aloud toured the UK as part of a special arena tour, which was described as a ‘celebration of Sarah, our music and our incredible fans’. Hailed as a ‘glorious, nostalgia-fuelled comeback’, the show featured tributes to the singer, as well as including her vocals and appearance throughout the concert.
The Stockport-raised singer is also immortalised in a mural in her hometown, which was created in 2024 by artist Deggy. The artwork, funded by Rediscovering the Underbanks and Totally Stockport, sits on High Street in the Underbanks and has been praised by both Sarah’s family and her bandmates.