Sarah Harding's fans launch online fundraiser in her memory

Sarah Harding's fans have set up an online fundraiser in the wake of her tragic death to breast cancer aged 39 on Sunday.

Funds donated on the Just Giving page will go to cancer charity The Christie NHS Foundation. At the time of writing, 99 donors have raised more than £1730 and a description on the page reads: 'As we all know Sarah passed away on the 5th September.'

It continues: 'We have been in touch with Sarah's management and they thought setting up a page would be a lovely idea to remember Sarah. Lets try and raise as much money as we can for The Christie who cared for Sarah in her time of need.'

The Christie is based in Manchester and helps to fund life-changing projects that benefit cancer patients.

On its own Just Giving page, the charity explains: 'The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds for more than 44,000 cancer patients treated at The Christie every year.

'Your support can help us to fund life-changing and potentially life-saving projects that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.'

After Sarah passed away on Sunday, The Christie tweeted: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Christie patient and supporter, Sarah Harding.'

In March, Sarah thanked her fans for sending her song Wear It Like A Crown to number one on iTunes, calling them 'the best people in the world'.

Money made from the song was donated to The Christie, where Sarah received treatment while battling breast cancer.

Sarah, who also modelled and had a starring role in the St Trinian's film series, passed away on Sunday, just 13 months after confirming her terminal cancer diagnosis. Her death was announced by her devastated family on social media. 

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.

'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.

The group achieved twenty consecutive top ten singles - including four number ones - in the UK and six platinum studio albums before the band took a hiatus in 2009.

Sarah was reportedly planning a solo career 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.'