Sarah Harding's mum gives emotional speech at plaque unveiling as she says 'I'm so very proud'

The plaque was unveiled in Stockport alongside a stunning pink mural of the late Girls Aloud star, who died of breast cancer in 2021 at the age of 39

A touching tribute in the form of a plaque to honour the memory of Girls Aloud icon Sarah Harding was unveiled on Sunday.

Her beloved Stockport now features a beautiful pink mural that captures the late star's radiant smile. Sadly passing away at 39 due to breast cancer in 2021, Sarah has left a profound legacy.

The unveiling was to celebrate Sarah's significant impact: her charity work aimed at saving lives by funding research into early detection of breast cancer which is more easily treatable. Sarah's mother, Marie, was present during this heartfelt moment.

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The emotional event coincided with a charity walk in Stockport, paying homage to the cherished singer.

Addressing the crowd with stirring words, she said: "Sarah faced her devastating diagnosis with fierce courage and determination. Throughout her illness she spent a great deal of time in the Christie hospital being treated and cared for by the dedicated doctors and nurses there and I'm eternally grateful to all of them for their selfless kindness and support.", reports the Mirror.

Marie expressed her belief that Sarah would have been "blown away" by such an honour, holding back tears as she reflected on her daughter's life, fiercely backed by Sarah's friend, Fran. She shared: "I'm so very proud of my beautiful daughter and everything she achieved in her tragically short life."

Marie emotionally addressed the crowd, expressing her gratitude and no doubt how Sarah would have been overjoyed to see such an outpouring of love and support. "She'd be thrilled to bits to see so many of you here today showing your love and support for her and for the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal."

Wrapping up her heartfelt speech, Marie thanked those gathered, expressing her wishes for everyone to enjoy the remaining festivities of the day. Her words were met with a resounding applause as she passed the microphone and received comfort from Fran.

Fran echoed the sentiment, acknowledging how much Sarah was missed and stressing how amazed the star would've been by the turnout and "the fact that her name is so strong day after day".

It was Marie who shared the heart-wrenching announcement of Sarah's death in 2021 via the singer's Instagram account, stating, "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."

Her statement continued, revealing the peaceful nature of Sarah's departure: "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."

The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal has successfully raised over £1million so far, with the aim of funding research into the diagnosis of breast cancer in younger women.