Strictly's Amy Dowden shares 'exciting' announcement as she asks fans for support

Amy Dowden has shared an "exciting" announcement with her Instagram followers. The Strictly Come Dancing professional has confirmed she'll be trekking 100km over five days through Bannau Brycheiniog with CoppaFeel!, a charity on a mission to get every 18-24-year-old checking their chest.

The announcement comes at a poignant time following the death of CoppaFeel! charity founder Kris Hallenga earlier this week. Kris died aged 38 after living with terminal secondary breast cancer for 15 years. She founded CoppaFeel! in 2009 alongside her twin sister Maren, with it becoming the UK’s only youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity.

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer last year after finding a lump just before her honeymoon. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer aged 32 and underwent chemotherapy. Back in February, Amy posted a joyous message on Instagram stating that there was "no evidence of disease" and it was "time to look ahead" following her "toughest year" yet.

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The now 33-year-old has previously credited CoppaFeel! for reminding her to check her own breasts after she took part in a trek alongside Giovanna Fletcher before her diagnosis. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine following Kris' death, Amy said: "I did the Pembrokeshire trek and it was on that trek I was speaking to the most wonderful trekkers. I realised I’m here advertising, raising awareness to check yourself and I don’t even check myself. So from that trip I started to check myself and just a few months later, I found my lump and so if it wasn’t for CoppaFeel!, if it wasn’t for Kris, I probably wouldn’t be sat here right now."

Lorraine then said: "We’ll never know how many lives she saved actually," to which Amy responded: "And she’s going to continue to save these lives as well."

Shortly after her Lorraine appearance, Amy took to Instagram to share that she'd be continuing Kris' legacy by joining the 2024 CoppaFeel! trek in Wales. She told her followers: "Exciting News Alert. This June, I’m embarking on an epic trekking adventure with @coppafeel and @mrsgifletcher ! Say hello to your new #CoppaTrekWithGi Team Captain!

"Alongside a powerhouse team of trekkers, I will be walking 100km over 5 days through the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to raise vital funds and awareness for the breast cancer charity, @coppafeel.

"CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and are on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. They educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests regularly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

"Although it’s going to be a tough week, I can’t wait to face the challenge! Training starts now so if you have any trekking tips, please comment below. I’m going to need all the advice I can get.

"CoppaFeel!’s message is super important to me which is why I would be so grateful for your support. If you are able to donate, you can do so through the link in my bio. Every penny will help ensure @coppafeel can continue their incredible work." You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.