Fearne Cotton leads tributes to Coppafeel founder Kris Hallenga

Fearne Cotton has led tributes to Kris Hallenga.

The CEO of breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! passed away on Monday (06.05.24) aged 38, following her battle with the disease.

Former ‘Celebrity Juice’ star Fearne, 42, has led the stars honouring her late friend Kris.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Her face was pure sunshine not only because she was as beautiful as an angel but also because she was kind and caring and vibrant. She asked me to design her a tattoo a few years ago and I'm proud to say a hand drawn trapeze artist sat across the scar on her chest.

“We talked about cats for way too long, talked about death (I was way too scared to talk about it before Kris taught me it was not just OK but necessary), ate cake together and sometimes sat in silence. I'm already running out of space here and there's so much more to say.

“So here we are, suddenly using words like 'was' instead of 'is' and pulling memories and photos out of the drawers.

“There’s so much to celebrate and so much to mourn. I'm mostly thinking of Maren, Kris' twin. I love you mate. We are all here for you. 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. (sic)"

Former ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’ winner Giovanna Fletcher - who had trekked up to Mont Blanc in aid of the charity through ‘CoppaTrek with Gi 2023’ - also paid tribute to the CoppaFeel! founder.

She wrote: "In 2009 Kris was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She was 23 and had been turned away from her GP for over a year. For 15 years she had been living with cancer. She hasn’t lost a battle, she wasn’t in a fight, and she wouldn’t want you to see her death as tragic. She died with a heart full of love. She loved her life.

“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.

“Love you Kris. I will jump in all the cold water (maybe not with inflatables) and do all the tequila shots. Xx (sic).”

Comedian Russell Howard also paid tribute to Kris, and admitted it was an “absolute pleasure” to have known her.

Taking to X, he posted: “What an awesome, inspirational, life-chasing woman.

“[It was] an absolute pleasure to have known you Kris. (sic)"