Yahoo News Cheryl pulls out of Birmingham Pride performance after Sarah Harding's death
Cheryl has decided not to perform at this year's Birmingham Pride.
The 'Call My Name' singer was set to play at the festival's Main Stage, but says she is unable to following the death of her Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding earlier this month. In a statement on her Instagram stories, she wrote: "Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else.
"My heart is heavy, grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Questions without answers and pain without resolve, so tumultuous and constant."
Related: Cheryl pays tribute to Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding
She added: "With that said I'm so sorry but I am really not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform for you this Saturday at Birmingham Pride.
"I apologise wholeheartedly and I can only hope for your understanding. I promise I will make it up to you somehow. I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process my grief.
"Nothing prepares you for this bit."
Birmingham Pride added in a statement: "We have taken the decision to show our support by donating Cheryl's fee, in its entirety to a cancer charity or charities that support LGBTQ+ people living with cancer."
Sarah died on September 5 at the age of 39 following a battle with advanced breast cancer.
Sarah's mum confirmed the sad news in a message on her Instagram. "It's with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away," she wrote. "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."
The Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement.
The helpline, 0808 808 1677, is open Monday-Friday at 9.30am-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when it is open until 8pm. You can also email helpline@cruse.org.uk.
Cruse Scotland can be reached on 0845 600 2227 or support@crusescotland.org.uk.
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