Nicola Roberts has marked the fifth anniversary of Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding's death, admitting she's "proud" that the late singer "left such a legacy"

On Saturday (05.09.26), Nicola took to her Instagram to remember her close friend, sharing a throwback picture of Girls Aloud and writing alongside it: "It's hard to believe it's been five years already since Sarah's passing. So much has happened that she should have been a part of. My [heart] is particularly with Marie [Sarah's mum] today." Nicola, who recently became a mum herself, admitted that the "hormones and sleep deprivation" she's experiencing following the birth of her daughter "probably aren't helping" her emotions. But added: "As I type i'm feeling very sad and transported to this day 5 years ago. Such a milestone would have most likely had this impact anyway. Most definitely for all her friends and family." Despite her sadness, Nicola added she's also feeling "proud" of Sarah, particularly in terms of The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which was was established in her memory to fund research into detecting and preventing breast cancer in young women. Nicola wrote: "I'm also feeling proud that Sarah left such a legacy with her charity and that everyone that vowed to help her on that quest is still powering through for that silver lining she was so passionate about. "She's saving lives. Wish to everything she didn't have to lose her own." Nicola was quickly inundated with messages of support from her friends and followers, with Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan writing in the comments section: "Sarah always missed." Another added: "Love you Nicola. Thank you and the girls for keeping her spirit alive. You d done such an amazing job honouring her legacy always. We miss her so much." As someone else commented: "5 years and yet her electric spirit is still felt everyday. Never forgotten, sending love to everyone today."