Cheryl writes for British Vogue on the loss of Sarah Harding

Today (September 29), British Vogue shared on their social channels an article that Cheryl had written for them, focusing on the loss of a friend to cancer.

In the emotional piece, Cheryl writes that she, Nicola, Kimberley and Nadine found out about Sarah’s breast cancer diagnosis during conversations around celebrating Girls Aloud’s 20th anniversary, which (as the band formed in 2002) is this year.

She then discusses the helplessness she felt toward the end of Sarah’s life, even though she supported her friend and bandmate in many ways. “I didn’t feel helpful, I just felt numb”, she wrote.

Cheryl then reflected on the fact that Sarah’s last wish to her and the other girls, was that she would love for a fundraising gala to be held in her name. Sarah hoped to attend, and help to raise funds and awareness of Breast Cancer.

Sadly, Sarah passed away before the gala could be held, but Cheryl, Nicola, Kimberley and Nadine vowed to keep their promise to Sarah, and have now arranged the event, named Sarah’s Primrose Ball.

The event is named after Sarah’s line in the Girls Aloud song The Promise: “Here I am, a walking primrose.” Lyrics which many loved ones and fans of Sarah shared alongside photographs of her in the wake of her death.

The gala will take place at The Londoner Hotel on October 8, and will include performances from Olly Alexander, Ricky Wilson, and Chrissie Hynde, and will be hosted by Fearne Cotton.

All funds raised will go towards the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal research project, which is led by Sarah’s oncologist Dr Sacha Howell.