Kris Hallenga, the founder of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, has died at the age of 38.

She formed the charity after she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 23 and had been turned away from her GP for more than 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,” said the charity, which has announced her passing this week.

It said she “approached life in a wildly creative, fund and fearless way, and showed us that is it possible to live life to the full with cancer”.

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. Statement at https://t.co/cTQSOTo00Z pic.twitter.com/tkQ7ZMih6v

— CoppaFeel! (@CoppaFeelPeople) May 6, 2024

“Kris’ life mission was that CoppaFeel! would no longer need to exist, with late diagnosis of breast cancer eradicated in her lifetime,” the charity added.

“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 was 38 and died with fulfilment and a heart full of love.”

Among those in the charity sector to pay tribute are the organisers of Bath Half Marathon, which said she was a “fierce campaigner” and regularly “lit up” its event “with her enthusiasm and drive”.

We, like so many others, were very sad to hear of the death of Kris Hallenga.

A fierce campaigner for her charity CoppaFeel, Kris regularly lit up the Bath Half with her enthusiasm and drive.

She will be sorely missed. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/1UoSjC0n1h

— Bath Half Marathon (@bathhalf) May 7, 2024

Breast Cancer Now said she was a “tireless force for breast cancer awareness and early diagnosis”.

Meanwhile, The Teenage Cancer Trust said that her work “has impacted the lives of millions”.

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