Racing for a Cause: Sarah Harding’s Legacy Lives On Through 5K Fundraiser

In a touching tribute to the late Sarah Harding, Dr. Sacha Howell who was her consultant at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, has laced up his running shoes this weekend for a 5K fundraising run in her honour.

The Girls Aloud singer, actress, and model died in September 2021 at just 39 years old after a breast cancer diagnosis.

The event, which took place on Saturday, 4 January at Manchester’s SportCity Regional Arena, aims to raise vital funds for the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal through The Christie Charity.

In the singer's memory, Dr. Howell has spearheaded the BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women) study, a groundbreaking initiative inspired by Harding’s dying wish to improve early detection and prevention for young women like herself.

He said: “There are too many young women in their 30s, like Sarah, tragically dying from breast cancer,” said Dr. Howell.

“She was passionate about research that could help identify why this happens, especially to women with no family history of the disease.

"The BCAN-RAY study is her legacy, a pioneering effort to better predict who is at risk and offer life-saving early screening.

”Breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women under 50."

The BCAN-RAY study, the first of its kind, is a testament to Harding’s desire to save lives and to Dr. Howell’s commitment to turning her vision into reality.

Dr. Howell was joined in the run by supporters and family members with participants of all abilities taking part.