Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh opens up about grieving Sarah Harding
Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh has opened up about dealing with the grief of Sarah Harding's death.
Sarah tragically passed away at the age of 39 back in September, having been diagnosed with cancer over a year earlier. A few months on, Kimberley shared how she's still struggling with the loss.
"I can’t lie, it absolutely knocked us all for six and the grieving is a daily challenge," the singer told Psychologies magazine. "Until you’re actually experiencing something like this with somebody who was close to you, it’s impossible to imagine what it’s going to feel like. And I honestly still can’t work out how you ever truly accept it.
"I deal with it day to day and, for me, that’s about checking in with everyone, especially Sarah’s mum, and making sure that they’re OK too. It’s going to take time, and it’s very, very tough."
Before Sarah's death, the girls reunited to reminisce and watch their 2006 documentary series Girls Aloud: Off the Record. Kimberley explained that she got to introduce Sarah to her sons Bobby, Cole and newborn Nate.
"I really wanted Sarah to meet my boys because it had never happened apart from on video call," she said. "So being able to do that meant a lot to me. That time together was incredibly special, but it didn’t make it any easier.
"I had to tell [the boys about her death]... and we managed it the best way we could. They said, 'She’s with the angels now', and sometimes it’s nice to see it through their eyes."
2022 will be the 20th anniversary of Girls Aloud's formation on Popstars: The Rivals and their debut single, 'Sound of the Underground'.
There has been talk of a reunion to celebrate the milestone, but no confirmation yet if the band will choose to commemorate the event in the wake of Sarah's death.
The Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement.
The helpline, 0808 808 1677, is open Monday-Friday at 9.30am-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when it is open until 8pm. You can also email helpline@cruse.org.uk.
Cruse Scotland can be reached on 0845 600 2227 or support@crusescotland.org.uk.
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