Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has revealed she would not be alive without CoppaFeel! founder Kris Hallenga.
Kris tragically died at the age of 38 after living with terminal secondary breast cancer for 15 years. She and her twin Maren established CoppaFeel! in 2009 to educate young people about the importance of early breast cancer detection.
Amy, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, had participated in a CoppaFeel! trek with podcast host Giovanna Fletcher before she began checking her breasts. She discovered a lump just months later, the day before her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones.
The 33-year-old dancer said on ITV's Lorraine this week that she "probably wouldn't be sat here right now" without Kris and the charity she founded. Amy also recalled: "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. So if it wasn't for CoppaFeel! , if it wasn't for Kris, I probably wouldn't be sat here right now."
Reflecting on the profound impact of her work, Lorraine remarked: "We'll never know how many lives she saved actually." Amy then chimed in with a heartfelt tribute, saying: "And she's going to continue to save these lives as well."
Amy has also committed to participating in the Brecon Beacons trek this June alongside Fletcher, aiming to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
Taking to Instagram, Amy honoured Kris's enduring influence and legacy, posting: "What a woman! What a difference she has and will continue to make."
Meanwhile, comedy icon Dawn French, who was close to the charity's founder, shared snapshots of their friendship on Instagram and wrote: "Such a bright light, a true beauty inside & out. I will always love her."
Little Mix star Perrie Edwards also expressed her sorrow on Instagram, saying: "Heartbreaking. So sad to see this beautiful, courageous girl go. You did so much for so many people, I've never met anyone so strong and inspiring. Thinking of you, your family and loved ones!"
Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23 in 2009. A statement from her charity reads: "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, and showed us that it is possible to live life to the full with cancer.
"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. 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.
"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."
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