COPPAFEEL! founder and Sun columnist Kris Hallenga sadly died aged 38 from breast cancer.
The campaigner taught a generation how to ensure breast cancers are diagnosed early and her story is being told in BBC’s Living Every Second.
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Born on November 1, 1985, Kris Hallenga was a West German-born The Sun columnist and philanthropist.
She campaigned bravely to ensure people know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so they are always caught in time.
Kris fought successfully for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum and wrote a best-selling book, Glittering a Turd.
Her dream was that one day CoppaFeel! would no longer need to exist and late diagnosis of breast cancer might be eradicated.
Cancer battle
Kris was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer aged 23 in 2009 after being turned away from her GP for more than a year.
Sadly on May 6, 2024, she died of the disease.
Kris’ family posted a video montage showing her dancing, swimming, walking on the beach and laughing with friends.
Sharing on Instagram that she had passed away, CoppaFeel! said: “We share the sad news that our founder, boob chief, colleague, friend and queen of glittering turds, Kris, has died.
“Kris was the biggest promoter of being ‘alive to do those things’. She approached life in a wildly creative, fun and fearless way.
“She showed us that it is possible to live life to the full with cancer.
CoppaFeel! added: “Kris’ ambition was for no one else to find themselves in her position.
“So CoppaFeel! was born, to ensure breast cancers are diagnosed early and accurately.
“Kris’ life mission was that CoppaFeel! would no longer need to exist, with late diagnosis of breast cancer eradicated in her lifetime.
“We are committed to continuing Kris’ legacy, to ensure that everyone has the best chance of living a happy and healthy life.
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“She hasn’t lost a battle, she wasn’t in a fight and she certainly wouldn’t want you to see her death as tragic.
“She was simply living. She was 38 and died with fulfilment and a heart full of love.
“Kris’ family have one request – for peace and privacy to allow them the time and space needed to process Kris’ death.
“We would like to thank our community for your love and messages of support.”
CoppaFeel! added: “We kindly ask that you respect the family’s wishes at this time.
“Please remember the amazing life Kris led and the things she achieved.
“But above all else honour her memory by checking your chest… it could just save your life.”
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Paying tribute
In a tribute, Breast Cancer Now said: “We’re heartbroken to hear that Kris Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel!, has died.
“Kris was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2009 when she was just 23,
“Since then she has been a tireless force for breast cancer awareness and early diagnosis.”
Campaigner Sarah Brown, who is married to former PM Gordon Brown, also paid tribute to Kris.
Posting on Twitter, she said: “So very sorry to hear that Kris Hallenga has passed away.
“Her legacy is both the joy and full-on glitter of her life amidst the scary stuff of cancer AND the remarkable CoppaFeel! charity.
“Condolences to Maren, Maike and their mum.”
Remembering Kris
The BBC are paying homage to Kris in their programme, Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story.
This tribute show includes family archive of Kris’ childhoods from the moment of her birth, leading up to her diary footage of her living with a terminal disease.
Viewers will show her effortlessly campaigning to make women aware of breast cancer.
Family members and friends, including Fearne Cotton and Dawn French, also describe what Kris meant to them personally and reflect on the impact she made on millions of people.
You can watch this powerful programme on October 1, 2024 at 9pm on BBC Two.
