Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding to be honoured with special plaque and walking tour

Stockport is preparing to celebrate the life of one of its brightest stars, Sarah Harding, whose incredible journey from local roots to global fame with Girls Aloud captivated millions.

On Sunday, October 6th, the town will come together to pay tribute to Sarah, who tragically lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 39.

Remembering Sarah Harding

The event, part of The Stockport Music Story Walking Tours, promises to be a day filled with music, memories, and a shared mission: raising funds for The Christie Charity and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal.

Sarah Harding’s story

Sarah’s story is one of determination, talent, and resilience.

Born and raised in Stockport, she attended Hazel Grove High School and later studied hair and beauty at Stockport College.

However, her dreams of the spotlight led her to pursue dance and drama at The North Cheshire Theatre School.

Before long, she was working in Stockport’s Grand Central leisure complex—an ordinary start for a woman destined for extraordinary things.

In 2002, Sarah’s life changed forever when she auditioned for Pop Stars: The Rivals, where she would meet the women who would become her bandmates in Girls Aloud.

Together, they took the music world by storm, becoming one of the UK’s most successful girl groups.

Sarah’s powerful voice, magnetic presence, and unmistakable energy made her an unforgettable part of the band.

Cancer diagnosis

But Sarah’s story took a heartbreaking turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

Treated at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, Sarah used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in young women.

Her final wish was to support research into why young women without a family history of the disease are diagnosed with breast cancer.

This wish lives on through the BCAN-RAY study, a groundbreaking project Sarah’s family and bandmates continue to champion.

A new plaque for Sarah

In honour of Sarah’s legacy, a special plaque will be unveiled on Stockport’s High Street, near the Sarah Harding mural created by local street artist Degsy.

The mural, painted earlier this year, captures Sarah’s spirit, and the new plaque will serve as a permanent reminder of the incredible impact she had, both in her hometown and across the globe.

This unveiling will be a focal point of the Stockport Music Map Tour, led by John Barratt, a local champion of the town’s rich musical heritage.

John Barratt, who has dedicated himself to preserving Stockport’s music history, said: “Sarah was such a huge part of Stockport’s story, and her journey from here to the global stage is truly inspiring. We’re honoured to celebrate her legacy while supporting The Christie Charity and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal.”

The Stockport Music Story Walking Tour

The walking tour will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to visit other important musical landmarks in Stockport, as John shares insights into the town’s vibrant cultural past.

The event will culminate in a Girls Aloud-themed celebration at Thread Bar, where fans can watch iconic performances by the band.

Thread Bar will also donate 20% of their proceeds from the day to The Christie Charity and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal.

For John, this event is deeply personal. “The Christie is particularly close to my heart, as my wife, Rosemary, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

“Luckily, her cancer was caught early, and thanks to the incredible care at The Christie, she has made a good recovery. This event is all about keeping Sarah’s memory alive and continuing her mission to promote early detection of breast cancer in young women.”

Dr. Sacha Howell, Sarah’s consultant and a leader of the BCAN-RAY study, added, “Sarah was passionate about breast cancer research and was determined to help young women understand their risk. I’m sure she’d be thrilled about this event and the plaque being unveiled in her name.”

This event isn’t just a tribute to Sarah’s life; it’s a call to action, a chance to remember the unstoppable force she was, while also supporting a cause that was so close to her heart.

As Stockport comes together to celebrate one of its own, Sarah’s memory will continue to shine, inspiring others to fight for early detection and the hope of a future where fewer lives are cut short by breast cancer.

Tickets for the Sarah Harding plaque unveiling and walking Tour

Tickets for the event are priced at £15 and include a Christie wristband, a guided tour, and access to the Girls Aloud party at Thread Bar.

All proceeds will benefit The Christie Charity and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, ensuring that Sarah’s legacy of hope and awareness continues to make a difference.

You can get tickets to this event by clicking here

For those unable to attend, donations can be made to The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal by clicking here

Together, Stockport and Sarah’s fans around the world are helping to carry forward her message of love, music, and the importance of life-saving research.