TRIBUTES have been made to Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.

Sarah died on Sunday, aged 39, after a battle with breast cancer and it has been met with an outpouring of grief, as well as calls for increased awareness of breast cancer.

Cheryl, her former bandmate, 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.

"I love you Sarah...farewell."

It wasn't just people she knew she touched, however.  The public have given their sympathy to her family and shared how she helped their lives.

Gail Ainsworth said: "Very sad news today, thinking of her family."

Kelly Haines said: "So sad, what a beautiful lady she was."

Joan Blundy said: "Heart goes out to her family RIP Sarah fly high with the angels."

The news was announced on Instagram by the singer's mother on Sunday afternoon.

In a post on Instagram, Sarah's mother Marie said: "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."

Lori Robinson said: "Very sad news, bless her. Sarah was a beautiful, brave young lady, taken so young. What a cruel world we live in. Fly high sweet lady, and my dearest condolences go out to her family and close friends."

Anne Walker said: "So sad, so young.  Fly high, young lass."

Sharon Smith said: "Met her once at the lowery on a tour, so sad.  Too young like many others."

Lee Wicks said: "Desperately sad news.  Just 39."

Christie hospital in Manchester, which cared for Sarah Harding, is planning to spend funds from proceeds raised by the Girls Aloud star.

It will fund research into preventing breast cancer among women aged 30-39 who have no family history of the disease.