Founder of breast cancer charity dies aged 38 | News

Kris Hallenga has set up a cancer charity Coppafeel! in Daventry after her diagnosis in 2009.

Fearne Cotton, Giovanna Fletcher and Carol Vorderman were among the stars who remembered Kris Hallenga, who set up breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! in Daventry before moving to Cornwall.

Mrs. Hallenga died at the age of 38, having lived with the disease for 15 years.

Her friends say she will be remembered for making the world a better place.

In 2009 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer after being rejected by her family doctor for more than a year. By the time she was diagnosed, she was terminal.

CoppaFeel! was born in the same year and it became the charity’s mission to educate young people about why screening should start at a younger age so that all breast cancers are diagnosed early.

TV presenter Cotton has been a keen fundraiser for the charity since meeting Mrs Hallenga 14 years ago.

“When you were with her almost anything was possible. She had an idea and two minutes later you were trying to plan how to bring it to life,” she said, sharing a series of images on Instagram.

“Rarely took no for an answer in the best possible way: getting the best musicians out there to play our charity festival for @coppafeel or convincing others to run marathons with giant breasts strapped to them.

“She lived to the fullest, more than I’ve ever seen anyone live.

“… She saw the little streaks of light as potential and opportunity. Her face was pure sunshine not only because she was as beautiful as an angel but also because she was kind, caring and vibrant.

“She asked me to give her a tattoo a few years ago and I’m proud to say that a hand-drawn trapeze artist sat over the scar on her chest.”

Cotton said he would light a candle “for my dear partner who not only touched my life but saved many others.”

As part of raising awareness and fundraising, the charity created the CoppaTrek! challenge which has seen stars including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Fletcher leads teams of people on hikes.

“The work Kris has done with @coppafeel has touched so many lives. So many people are here today because of the saving message he put out there,” podcast host Fletcher said on Instagram.

“So moving forward, let’s celebrate being alive to do these things.

“To say yes to the things that will fill our hearts. To love life. Fully.”

Fletcher said Mrs Hallenga “died with a heart full of love – she loved her life”.

Meanwhile, ex-The Only Way Is Essex star Peter Wicks, who also captained a CoppaTrek! challenge, said on his Instagram story: “Kris has created a legacy and changed the lives of so many people.

“The world has lost its inspiration.”

Similarly, Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown shared a post about taking part in eight CoppaTrek! challenges, explaining how the charity ‘saved’ her.

“Dear Kris, our world will be less bright without you in it,” she said on Instagram.

“You have done more for people than you will ever know, your legacy, words, will power, strength and complete F**K YOU to cancer will be shouted from many more mountains, hills, one way roads, tents , dunes and bath. stalls when people see those magic words COPPAFEEL @coppafeel 15 years of reminding people to check themselves.

“15 years of @coppafeel Thanks Kris. You have saved me, you have saved so many others and you will continue to do so.

“There’s a reason I’ve done eight @coppafeel hikes and counting……. And it all started with you.”

Kelsey Parker, whose husband Tom Parker from The Wanted died in 2022 aged 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, said she was ‘sitting here in tears and didn’t know what to write’ .

“Thank you Kris for bringing this wonderful charity into my life when I needed it most and for pulling me up when all I felt was pain and for letting me hold space to inspire women like you, what a legacy you have created.” she said on Instagram.

“A true inspiration to all, Kris showed the world how in the darkest of times you can shine light, raise awareness and help thousands.

“He lived with secondary cancer for 15 years, a warrior king, BUT he soon lost to a horrible disease.

“…But I’m telling you we’ll be walking hard for you Kris on Saturday, a walking marathon in your honor @coppafeel.”

Meanwhile, former Countdown star Vorderman said: “The world was a better place because you were in it.”

“It’s so incredibly sad,” the Pride Of Britain host told X.

“At just 38 and suffering from breast cancer, Kris Hallenga founder of @CoppaFeelPeople was an incredibly bright star in the firmament.

“She was nominated by Cancer Research UK to win their @PrideOfBritain award in 2017 and it was a joy to meet her.

“So many will thank you for all the help you have given them in your all too short life.”

Ms Hallenga’s death was confirmed in a statement on the charity’s website.

“He didn’t lose a battle, he wasn’t in a fight, and he certainly wouldn’t want you to see his death as tragic,” it said.

“He lived simply. He was 38 years old and died with fulfillment and a heart full of love.”

The statement said her dream was that one day CoppaFeel! it should no longer exist, and the late diagnosis of breast cancer could be eradicated in her lifetime.

With this in mind, she campaigned for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum and wrote Glittering A Turd, which became a best-seller.

She won the Young Campaign Women of the Year award and received an honorary doctorate in public administration from Nottingham Trent University.

“Please remember the amazing life Kris led and the things she accomplished, but above all, honor her memory by getting your chest checked…it could save your life” , the statement also says.

NHS England’s National Director of Cancer, Dame Cally Palmer, said: “The work that Kris Hallenga and CoppaFeel have done to raise awareness of breast cancer and its symptoms, particularly in younger women, has led many people to come in early to get checked and get the all-clear or a diagnosis as soon as possible.

“It’s an incredible legacy to leave behind.

“I want to urge everyone to be aware of their own bodies – please look out for lumps or a change in the look, shape or feel of one or both breasts and contact your GP as soon as possible if necessary , as soon as possible. the cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.”

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