Kris Hallenga, founder of the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, has died aged 38.
Hallenga founded CoppaFeel! after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 23. She had been turned away from her GP for more than a year and by the time she was diagnosed, it was terminal.
Hallenga founded CoppaFeel! with her twin sister Maren in the same year, to encourage young women to check their breasts regularly and ensure that breast cancers are diagnosed early and accurately.
She stepped down from the charity in 2017, saying she wanted to avoid falling into the trap of “founder’s syndrome”.
Hallenga reached millions of people with her message of health advocacy and empowerment, successfully campaigned for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum, won the Women of the Year Outstanding Young Campaigner award and received an honorary doctorate in public administration from Nottingham Trent University. She also wrote a Times bestselling book, called Glittering a Turd.
In a statement announcing Hallenga’s death, Coppafeel! said: “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.”
“For 15 years Kris had been living with secondary breast cancer. 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 approached life in a wildly creative, fun and fearless way, and showed us that it is possible to live life to the full with cancer.”
The charity said Hallenga’s family had requested peace and privacy to allow them the time and space needed to process her death.
It said: “We would like to thank our community for your love and messages of support and kindly ask that you respect the family’s wishes at this time.”
Tributes have been paid to Hallenga over social media, with Breast Cancer Now posting on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “We’re heartbroken to hear that Kris Hallenga, founder of @CoppaFeelPeople has died. Kris was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2009 when she was just 23 and since then has been a tireless force for breast cancer awareness and early diagnosis.
“Thank you for all you achieved and all that your legacy will continue to achieve. Whether that’s through the work of CoppaFeel! reaching millions or your raising awareness of secondary breast cancer, you lived life to the fullest and shared your experience so openly and honestly.”
Cancer Research UK posted: “We’re so sad to hear this news about Kris. Her dedication to getting people talking about early diagnosis has changed lives.”
Young Lives vs Cancer also posted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Kris – she will leave an incredible legacy in raising awareness of breast cancer.”