VIEWERS have broken down in tears as the late Kris Hallenga revealed her “perfect death” in a BBC documentary this evening.
The CoppaFeel! founder and Sun columnist passed away aged 38 in May after teaching millions how to check for breast cancer.
5
5
5
Kris was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer aged 23 in 2009 after being turned away from her GP for more than a year.
A new programme called Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story aired on BBC2 tonight at 9pm.
The documentary followed her breast cancer journey – navigating the realities of terminal illness and death on her own terms.
It also highlighted Kris’ determination to educate people on the signs of breast cancer, as well as her ambition to change the narrative around breast cancer and health advocacy in young people.
For 15 years Kris, who was called Tina by her friends and family, had been living with secondary breast cancer.
In one heart-wrenching moment during the documentary, Kris spoke about her “perfect death scenario”.
Towards her final months, she said: “Lady Marmalade is purring at the end of the bed, a friend is massaging me, there is soft lighting, belly-laughter, my old hometown friend Stacey is ensuring I get no sympathy, I am pain-free but not so off my non-existent tits that I am barely conscious.
“There are frames with photo memories, there is thoughtful silence, there is peace, there is closure.”
Kris passed away with twin sister Maren, Stacey and Lady Marmalade by her side on May 6.
Devastated viewers took to social media to express how inspirational Kris’ cancer story was.
One wrote: “Will forever be inspired by Kris Hallenga. Incredible bravery in the darkest of times.”
Another commented: “Heart shattering. Devastatingly sad. Uplifting. Inspirational.”
A third said: “If watching the Kris Hallenga documentary teaches us anything is please no matter what… #coppafeel
“What a brave lady she was. Totally in bits watching that.”
5
5
A final person penned: “No words can do justice to describing #KrisHallenga founder of @CoppaFeelPeople living more life in her shortened 38 years than most ever do!
“Simply incredible #legend Kris has forever changed the lives of so many young women suffering #BreastCancer thru early awareness.”
Kris’ twin and CoppaFeel! Co-Founder Maren said: “I want people to watch this film and feel moved by her insatiable appetite for life and living, and for them to consider approaching their own turds from a more glitter-able perspective.
“And then check their boobs, of course.”
Kris campaigned bravely to ensure people know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so they are always caught in time.
Kris fought successfully for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum and wrote a best-selling book, Glittering a Turd.
Her dream was that one day CoppaFeel! would no longer need to exist and late diagnosis of breast cancer might be eradicated.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it’s treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS
