Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has paid a heartbreaking tribute to CoppaFeel founder Kris Hallenga after she died from breast cancer aged 38.
The Welsh Strictly pro, 33, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, revealing earlier this year that her latest cancer check-up showed ‘no evidence’ of the disease.
Touching photos show Amy taking part in the Pembrokeshire trek which raised thousands for women with breast cancer.
The dancer revealed it was not until she went on the trek that she realised – thanks to Kris’s charity CoppaFeel – that she should be checking her breasts for signs of cancer.
Kris died after 15 years of living with the disease, having been diagnosed in 2009 aged 23 and given a life expectancy of two years. Her charity taught a generation of women how to make sure breast cancer is diagnosed early and accurately.
Speaking on the Lorraine show today, Amy said: ‘I did the Pembrokeshire trek and it was on that trek [that] I was speaking to the most wonderful trekers. I realised I’m here, advertising, raising awareness to check yourselves and I don’t even check myself.
‘So from that trek, 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.’
Photos show Amy Dowden (left) taking part in the Pembrokeshire trek which raised thousands for women with breast cancer
Amy appeared on the Lorraine show to pay a heartbreaking tribute to CoppaFeel founder Kris Hallenga
Kris Hallenga, 38, (pictured) has died after 15 years of living with secondary breast cancer
Before her death, Kris revealed she was motivated to start CoppaFeel after being ‘confused and baffled’ when diagnosed with the disease.
‘I kept thinking this is b*******. Why didn’t anyone tell me to check my boobs? Why didn’t I know I could get breast cancer at 23? I’m pretty sure my friends don’t know either, and if none of us do then literally no young person in this country f****** knows this secret. This needs to change. And I got this wave of energy,’ she told the Guardian in 2021.
After her diagnosis in 2009, Kris founded CoppaFeel with her twin sister Maren, and watched the charity grow to become the third most recognised cancer charity in the UK.
In a statement about her death, CoppaFeel said yesterday: ‘We share the sad news that our founder, boob chief, colleague, friend and queen of glittering turds, Kris, has died.
‘Kris approached life in a creative, fun and fearless way, showing us that it is possible to live life to the full with cancer.’
CoppaFeel has a huge following on social media and encourages woman to check their breasts for signs of cancer.
Kris is the best-selling author of Glittering A Turd, a book which details how she discovered her life after being told she would die.
In its statement, CoppaFeel added: ‘In 2009 Kris was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 23, after being turned away from her GP for over a year.
Kris (right) told how she founded charity CoppaFeel with her twin sister Maren (left) because she was never told how to check for breast cancer
The campaigner was first diagnosed in 2009 with incurable secondary breast cancer and given a life expectancy of just two years
Kris made a conscious decision to face her illness head-on and seize every opportunity
Kris is the best-selling author of Glittering A Turd, seen here with an advert for her book which details how she discovered her life after being told she would die
‘By the time she was diagnosed, it was terminal. Kris’ ambition was for no one else to find themselves in her position and so CoppaFeel! was born, to ensure breast cancers are diagnosed early and accurately.
‘Kris has 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, received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Nottingham Trent University and wrote a Times Best Selling book: Glittering a Turd.
‘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. If you’d like to support this mission, you can donate here.’
The charity added: ‘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 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 and 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.
‘Trust your body, believe in hope, leave room for miracles.’ Kris Hallenga.
‘With love from all at CoppaFeel! HQ x.’