CHERYL has pulled out of her Birmingham Pride gig tomorrow after revealing she isn’t “emotionally or mentally” able to perform following Sarah Harding’s death.
Girls Aloud’s Sarah tragically died from aggressive breast cancer earlier this month aged just 39.
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This afternoon Cheryl released a statement on Instagram apologising for her withdrawal from the event she was due to headline on Saturday night.
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.
“With that said I am so sorry but I really am 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 the grief…
“Nothing prepares you for this bit.”
Birmingham Pride said it will donate Cheryl’s entire fee to a cancer charity or charities that support LGBTQ+ people living with cancer.
In a statement, the event said: “Naturally we are disappointed that Cheryl is unable to perform for us all this weekend, but we fully understand and respect her decision. Personal loss and grief, in the big scheme of things are far more important than any single performance.”
Ticket-holders sent Cheryl their love and said while they too were disappointed, they understood the decision and wished her well.
Sarah’s bandmates – Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts – each paid heartfelt tributes following her death.
Cheryl spoke of her heartache and disbelief, despite knowing “this day would arrive” following Sarah’s terminal diagnosis.
She described Sarah as “stunning, unique, crazy, quirky, kind and soft-hearted” and told fans that their love and support over the years really touched the late singer.
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