Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has revealed that she is battling breast cancer

Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has revealed she is fighting breast cancer, which has now spread. Disclosing the news to her fans on Twitter and Instagram, the 38 year old performer explained that she had been diagnosed with the disease earlier in the year. Despite undergoing treatment, this month she was given the "devastating news" that the cancer had “advanced” to other parts of her body. Why did she choose to reveal the news? Harding explained that she had decided to go public with her cancer diagnosis after being spotted in hospital last week and told fans she was "trying to keep positive.” Along with the news, Harding also shared a selfie taken in hospital and thanked her family and friends for their support, as well as the NHS staff. How did her bandmates and fans respond? Responding to the news, her Girls Aloud bandmate Nadine Coyle commented on Harding's Instagram, writing “I love you! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed! I am here for all the way & always will be!" Meanwhile, former bandmate and former X Factor judge, Cheryl posted a broken heart emoji. Harding’s career so far Harding found fame in 2002 after appearing as a contestant on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals - a talent show with the premise of forming a new girl and boy band. She made it into the female group, Girls Aloud, alongside Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Cheryl Tweedy. They went on to have several UK hits before the band announced their split in 2013. Harding has also appeared in several acting roles, including the 2009 film St. Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold, and Run for Your Wife in 2011, before winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. Sarah Harding's full statement “Hi everyone, “I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times. I've not posted on here for so long, thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in on me, it really does mean a lot. “I feel now is the right time to share what's been going on. “There's no easy way to say this and actually it doesn't even feel real writing this, but here goes. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a couple of weeks ago I received the devastating news that the cancer has advanced to other parts of my body. “I'm currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can. “I understand this might be shocking to read on social media and that really isn't my intention. “But last week it was mentioned online that I had been seen in hospital, so I feel now is the time to let people know what's going on and this is the best way I can think of to do so. “My amazing mum, family and close friends are helping me through this, and I want to say a thank you to the wonderful NHS doctors and nurses who have been and continue to be heroes. “I am doing my very best to keep positive and will keep you updated here with how I'm getting on. “In the meantime I hope you'll all understand and respect my request for privacy during this difficult time. Sending you all so much love….xx”