Sarah Harding discussed her fears over receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in a poignant chat six years before she died from the illness at 39.
It was announced on Sunday that the Girls Aloud songstress had 'peacefully' passed away, following a battle with the illness, with her mother's announcement being met with an outpouring of grief, love and support from celebrity friends.
Back in 2015, during a Pink Ribbon Charity lunch at Champneys Spa in Tring, Hertfordshire, Sarah spoke candidly about her fears over breast cancer, and heartbreakingly said: 'Luckily for me so far, fingers crossed, I’ve been okay'.
She explained that her family had been ravaged by the disease, so felt the illness was 'close to her heart' while also urging all women to check their breasts and also highlighting the importance of awareness in men.
Tragic: Sarah Harding discussed her fears over receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in a poignant chat six years before she died from the illness at 39
Speaking about the impact of breast cancer on her life, Sarah said: 'Breast cancer is something that’s quite close to my heart anyway because it runs in my family. On my mum’s side it has touched me...
'And they say one in three are touched by cancer and one in eight it’s breast cancer. My mum and all her sisters have had to have lumps removed and things like that...
'And close friends of the family have had to have mastectomies and augmentations and things like that. So for me it’s something that’s quite close to my heart, and it’s always good to try and give something back...
'If I can support by my being here in any way I can and help raise awareness, that’s good for me and good for them. It’s good for all women. I think it’s empowerment, you know.'
Touching: Back in 2015, during a Pink Ribbon Charity lunch at Champneys Spa in Tring, Hertfordshire, Sarah spoke candidly about her fears over breast cancer, and heartbreakingly said: 'Luckily for me so far, fingers crossed, I’ve been okay' (Sarah is pictured in 2015)
When asked if she feared the disease, Sarah said: 'Yeah. Oh gosh. I think it’s important that every woman has to check themselves regularly....
'Luckily for me so far, fingers crossed, I’ve been okay. Another thing women have to be aware of is obviously cervical cancer. So there’s a lot to worry about as a woman. As there is with men.'
Sarah revealed last year she had been diagnosed with cancer.
A message from Sarah's mother Marie was posted to the star's Instagram account on Sunday, which read: 'It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.
'Many of you will know of Sarah's battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day.
A message from Sarah's mother Marie was posted to her Instagram account. It read: 'It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away'
'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'.
Born in Ascot, Berkshire, in 1981, Sarah spent most of her school years in Stockport, Greater Manchester. She worked in a nightclub promotions team after leaving school.
She also toured North West England performing at pubs, social clubs, and caravan parks to support herself while pushing for a career in the arts.
Sarah found fame in 2002 when she won a place on Popstars: The Rivals - a precursor to the Pop Idol franchise.
She teamed up with, Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola and Kimberley in Girls Aloud and the band took the UK by storm soon after.
Sarah was reportedly planning a solo career as a blue singer prior to her cancer diagnosis and had been honing her skills as a guitarist before the diagnosis last August.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: 'Sarah really wanted to revamp herself as an altogether different kind of artist to her Girls Aloud days. She was on a journey to find herself musically and re-brand as a blues artist, as that's where her passion is.
'She was playing guitar all night until her fingers bled and watching videos of her favourite performers in order to perfect her sound.
'Her health issues meant she didn't get a chance to lay down any tracks, but there's hope she will eventually be well enough to put out the kind of music she loves.
'She was looking forward to being in the driving seat and surprising people.'
Sarah recently revealed she is taking cannabis oil to ease her pain as she continued to undergo treatment for breast cancer.
In an extract from her autobiography Hear Me Out, the pop star said she decided to try the treatment after it was recommended to her by pal Duncan James.
It comes after Sarah also revealed that her cancer treatment is 'moving in the right direction' and her tumours have 'shrunk,' since she publicly revealed her diagnosis back in August.
In her book Sarah revealed Duncan suggested she try CBD oil after he found benefits from the treatment when he
