TV and radio stars pay tribute to breast cancer campaigner from Cornwall

Stars of the TV and radio have shared emotional tributes to the founder of a breast cancer campaign charity from Cornwall.

It was announced on Monday that Kris Hallenga – founder of CoppaFeel! had died at her home in Newquay, aged 38.

Kris was 23 when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2009. Her GP turned her away for almost a year, and by the time she was diagnosed, it was terminal.

She had an ambition for no one else to find themselves in the same position, so she along with her twin sister Maren set up CoppaFeel! To ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and accurately.

The campaign launched in 2009 and has inspired millions of people to get their breasts checked regularly.

Kris also successfully campaigned for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum.

Kris and her twin sister Maren in 2011 (Image: Stock)

She was also awarded Women of the Year Outstanding Campaigner and received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Nottingham Trent University. She also wrote the Times Best Selling Book: Glittering a Turd.

Last year, she threw a living funeral at Truro Cathedral where guests were invited to sign a cardboard replica of her coffin and childhood footage was projected around the cathedral.

Dawn French ready the eulogy in character as the Vicar of Dibley, while Kris gave a speech dressed in a glittery jumpsuit.

The news of Kris’s death has reached well-known TV and radio personalities including Giovanna Fletcher and Fearne Cotton who have shared their own tributes for the campaigner.

Actress and author Giovanna who is also a patron of CoppaFeel! shared a picture of Kris on her Instagram in a special tribute.

Kris outside 10 Downing Street (Image: Stock)

She said: “The work Kris did with @coppafeel 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.”

Former Radio 1 presenter Fearne Cotton also shared an incredibly emotional to Kris, who she described as an ‘incredible woman’.

Her post reads: “ It's not possible to fit one person's whole life, or what they meant to you, or the huge grief when they're gone into one tiny square on here, but I will try.

“I met this incredible woman @howtoglitteraturd 14 years ago (thanks to the wonderful @red.swan ) and I'm so grateful for every one of those years. I've spent all of today looking through so many photos of the brilliant, silly, magical and special times we spent together.

"When you were with her almost anything was possible. She would have an idea and two minutes later you'd be trying to plan how to bring it to life.

"She rarely took no for an answer in the best way possible; getting the best musicians out there to play at our charity festival for @coppafeel or convincing others to run marathons with giant boobs strapped to them. She lived fully, more than I've ever seen anyone live.

“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.”

Simon Cowell, Carol Voderman and Dawn French have also shared their tributes to Kris.

As well as tributes from celebrities, the NHS has also shared a statement. It reads: "

NHS England’s national director for cancer, Dame Cally Palmer, said:  “The work Kris Hallenga and CoppaFeel! have done to raise awareness of breast cancer and its symptoms, particularly in younger women, has led to many people coming forward earlier to get checked and receive the all-clear or a diagnosis as early as possible.

“It is 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 if needed as early as possible, as the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.”