The best friend of former Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has paid tribute to her “little firework” and is raising money in her memory.
Anna Iversen, who knew the singer for 20 years, promised she would do some charity work before she died in early September after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Kings Langley mum has now run 100km during October and raised nearly £500 for Breast Cancer Now.
Anna recalled how Sarah used to consider her a sister, adding: “We travelled the world together from skiing in Norway to partying in Miami.
“We’ve been everywhere together causing a lot of trouble on the way.”
She said Sarah was previously engaged to her brother, who remained friends despite never marrying, and who helped carry Sarah’s coffin at her funeral earlier this month.
“Now it’s strange carrying on through life,” Anna continued, “not speaking to the person you’d normally speak to 10 times a day.
“She left a very big hole in everyone’s life.”
Anna added: “She’s the most strong-minded person you’d ever meet, you couldn’t tell Sarah anything.
“If she’s going to do something, she’d do something.
“She’s a force to be reckoned with.
“I always called her my little firework because she’s very loud, very bright but very loud.”
She recalled how Sarah – who Anna’s kids knew as Aunty Sozzle – once visited her at St Lauras Care Home in Kings Langley where she works and left staff amazed as she chatted away to residents.
After being diagnosed the Girls Aloud star was taken to Watford General Hospital, which Anna said was “absolutely brilliant with her”, and she spent the next year in and out of hospital.
In the end the much-loved singer passed away peacefully while unconscious.
Anna said Sarah made clear she wanted people to know the importance of getting checked as soon as possible.
Following the tragic loss Anna said she has seen “an amazing side” to people and particularly thanked Cathy Mendis, who turned up to Sarah’s wake with 50 cakes with musical notes on.
She also thanked t-shirt printing business Fresh Air Limited for making a free shirt with Sarah’s face and breast cancer logo.
For more information and to donate visit Anna's Facebook page and fundraising page.
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