Kimberley Walsh has paid tribute to her late friend Sarah Harding as she marked one year since her bandmate's devastating death.
Sarah tragically passed away on September 5 last year aged just 39 after a year-long battle with breast cancer. Kimberley, 40, has now taken to Instagram to share a special message for the Girls Aloud star.
Posting a black-and-white picture of Sarah, Kimberley wrote: " Sarah passed away a year ago. I can still hardly believe it to be honest but it feels more real than ever today.
"Thinking of her always and of everyone who loved and miss her too."
Her message received a lot of support from fans and famous faces who shared kind words for Sarah.
Sugababes star Heidi Range commented: " Sending love to you and Sarah’s loved ones," adding a red heart emoji.
TV presenter Gethin Jones wrote: "T hinking of you Kimba x," while EastEnders star Michelle Collins said: "So so sad too young., thinking of you all x."
One fan commented: "Feels like I’ve equally expecting this day, and also like it’s crept up on us all. Feeling for you girls today & Sarah family. Much love."
A second added: "Out of words, not out of tears. Sending so much love to you!"
Kimberley also posted the picture on her Instagram Story. Alongside it she wrote: "1 year," with a broken heart emoji.
She later shared a message from a fan who said Sarah had helped save her sister's life.
It read: "Because of Sarah, my sister went to get her boobs checked. She had cancer.
"She's possibly alive now because Sarah's death was so public. She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was caught really early. Eternally grateful."
Girls Aloud stars Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts reunited earlier this year to honour Sarah, with the foursome taking part in a special Race for Life for Sarah 5k event.
The run took place in July and raised money for breast cancer research.
Cheryl, Nadine and Nicola joined fellow runners at Hyde Park while Kimberley took part in the event remotely as she was out of London this weekend.
The singers wore matching pink t-shirts to support their friend, as they were joined by hundreds of fans for the run, many of whom wore pink wigs and tutus.
Speaking to the crowd beforehand, Cheryl said she still cannot quite believe the death of bandmate Sarah Harding is real.
"To be honest, I’ve never experienced or anticipated this grief," she said.
"You know, I’ve lost grandparents when I was younger and I lost a friend when I was younger but nothing like this, the feeling of shock and disbelief and it still lingers now to be honest. I still can’t quite believe it’s real."
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