Cheryl spoke about how much the love and support of fans meant to Sarah.

Pop star Cheryl has paid a touching tribute to her Girls Aloud band-mate Sarah Harding following her death yesterday. Sarah died after being sick with cancer. She was 39 years old. Taking to Instagram, Cheryl shared a black and white photo of Sarah. In her caption, she wrote: "Although we knew this day would arrive I am somehow still feeling at a loss for words that our stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft hearted girl has departed. "As I try to navigate my way through these painfully strange and horribly unfamiliar waves of disbelief & finality I am experiencing, I wanted to extend my condolences to all of our GA fans. "We were like an extended family for so long and we know so many of you by name. I wanted to make sure you knew just how much your love and continued support meant to Sarah through her most vulnerable times. She was so grateful and you really lifted her spirits when she needed you most." https://www.instagram.com/p/CTeozQ3oX87/ Cheryl added: "I also realize so many will be deeply affected by the circumstances of Sarah's passing... I am sending you all so much love. I love you Sarah... farewell." Sarah Harding's mum Marie announced her daughter's passing on Instagram yesterday. She wrote: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away. Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day. "She slipped away peacefully this morning. I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved. "I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead."