Love Island and Towie stars pay tribute to Coppafeel founder Kris Hallenga after she dies aged 38
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of social media posts from her friends
LOVE Island and Towie stars paid tribute to Coppafeel founder Kris Hallenga in droves after her tragic death was announced today.
Sun columnist Kris passed away aged 38 after teaching millions how to check for breast cancer, with the news sparking an outpouring of social media posts from her friends.
One of them was Faye Winter, who wrote on her Instagram Story: “Today we have the devastating news that the gorgeous, brave and courageous Kris Hallenga founder of @coppafeel has sadly passed away.
“As some of you already know, I am going on a Trek adventure in June with @coppafeel to raise awareness and funds for their incredible work and commitment.
“Working with this incredible charity has been so important to me, and it wouldn’t have existed without the amazing Kris.
“This Trek will now mean even more and I hope that this will be just one part of her legacy living on.
“We will continue to raise awareness in honor of you Kris – check your breasts today as she would of wanted Sending all my love to Kris’ family and friends, and the @coppafeel family.”
Towie’s Saffron Lempriere added: “Rest in Peace Kris the amazing founder of @coppafeel the ladies joined us for an episode of @towie a few years back to raise awareness due to the loss of our friend.
“Sammy your courage & kindness through your own battle was & is beautiful.”
Comedian Russell Howard said in a tweet also: “What an awesome, inspirational, life-chasing woman.
“An absolute pleasure to have known you Kris.”
Giovanna Fletcher said: “She died with a heart full of love. She loved her life.
“The work Kris did with has affected so many lives. So many people are here today because of the life saving message that she has put out there. So moving forward, let’s celebrate being alive to do these things. Let’s say yes to the things that’ll fill our hearts. Let’s love life. Fully.
“Love you Kris. I will jump in all the cold water (maybe not with inflatables) and do all the tequila shots. Xx.”
Fearne Cotton shared: “Her face was pure sunshine not only because she was as beautiful as an angel but also because she was kind and caring and vibrant. She asked me to design her a tattoo a few years ago and I’m proud to say a hand drawn trapeze artist sat across the scar on her chest.
“We talked about cats for way too long, talked about death (I was way too scared to talk about it before Kris taught me it was not just OK but necessary), ate cake together and sometimes sat in silence. I’m already running out of space here and there’s so much more to say.
“So here we are, suddenly using words like ‘was’ instead of ‘is’ and pulling memories and photos out of the drawers.
“There’s so much to celebrate and so much to mourn. I’m mostly thinking of Maren, Kris’ twin. I love you mate. We are all here for you.
This evening I will be lighting a candle for my dear mate who not only touched my life but saved many others. Kris, I love you.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The fearless campaigner taught a generation how to ensure breast cancers are diagnosed early and accurately.
This afternoon Kris’s family posted a video montage showing her dancing, swimming, walking on the beach and laughing with friends.
Kris was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer aged 23 in 2009 after being turned away from her GP for more than a year.
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 face was pure sunshine not only because she was as beautiful as an angel but also because she was kind and caring and vibrant.
Fearne Cotton
Her dream was that one day CoppaFeel! would no longer need to exist and late diagnosis of breast cancer might be eradicated.
Posting on Instagram, 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.
“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.”
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.”
Prevent Breast Cancer said: “We’re incredibly saddened to hear that Kris Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel!, has died.
“Thank you for tirelessly raising awareness of breast cancer and advocating for early diagnosis.
“Everyone at Prevent Breast Cancer sends our love at this difficult time.”
