Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A breast cancer research project has been launched to honour the memory of Sarah Harding, the singer from the pop group Girls Aloud, who passed away from the disease in 2021 at the age of 39. Fulfilling her final wish to assist others facing similar battles, Harding’s legacy has inspired the creation of the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal. This appeal supports vital research focused on women in their 30s and is based at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, where Harding received treatment.
Dr. Hannah Harrison has been named the Sarah Harding Young Women’s Breast Cancer Fellow and will lead a new study funded by the appeal. She emphasized on BBC Radio Manchester that breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among young women and stressed that prevention is the most effective strategy to reduce these numbers. Dr. Harrison acknowledged the crucial role of Sarah Harding’s legacy, stating, “We couldn’t do this without Sarah.” The project aims to improve prevention and treatment options tailored to young women.
Sarah Harding gained fame as a member of Girls Aloud, a chart-topping girl group formed in 2002 through the ITV show Popstars: The Rivals, alongside Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh. The group enjoyed significant commercial success with numerous top 10 hits and millions of albums sold before their split in 2013. Before embarking on her music career, Harding grew up in Stockport, Greater Manchester, attending school and college locally, and worked jobs such as waitressing and nightclub promotion. After her passing, her family and former bandmates established the appeal in her honor, organizing charity events to raise funds.
The money raised has supported the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (BCAN-RAY) study, which investigates risk factors common among women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s. Researchers hope the findings will lead to routine breast cancer risk assessments for women when they reach 30, identifying those at highest risk. Dr. Harrison, from the Manchester Breast Clinic, has received a grant for “vital research” into alternative treatments, aiming to reduce cases and fatalities among young women. She explained that while there is currently only one drug available to prevent breast cancer in young women, it doesn’t work for everyone. The new study seeks to understand this variability and develop more effective options.
Expressing gratitude for the support that made this research possible, Dr. Harrison praised Sarah Harding’s impact, saying the project would not be feasible without the appeal. Harding’s former Girls Aloud bandmates also shared their excitement about the progress, highlighting Sarah’s belief in the power of scientific advancement. Rachel Kendall, deputy chief executive of The Christie Charity, remarked on the importance of the initiative, thanking Harding’s family, friends, and band members for their fundraising efforts. She noted that Sarah’s story resonates strongly with younger women and those familiar with her music, emphasizing the significance of reaching women at increased risk and supporting them through this work
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.