Glittering a Turd

*An updated edition for 2026* What happens at twenty-three? If you’re lucky, you might see a bit of the world, go on nights out with mates and generally have a whole load of carefree fun. And if you’re less lucky? You get an incurable breast cancer diagnosis. When Kris was diagnosed in 2009, she could never have imagined that this life-altering moment would lead her to a future she never expected: a happy, meaningful one. From founding one of the UK’s best-known breast cancer charities to campaigning for cancer education in schools, earning widespread recognition and witnessing the birth of her nephew, Kris became a testament to grabbing life whole-heartedly. She claimed her voice and used it unapologetically to change the world, uncovering her purpose along the way. Honest, moving, and laced with her signature humour, Glittering a Turd is a guide to living well, and a lasting legacy to Kris’s life. It sheds new light on terminal illness, showing that life can still be lived to the full, and that we can all learn to glitter our own turds.

At twenty-three, Kris Hallenga was diagnosed with Stage 4, secondary, incurable cancer. Following her diagnosis, she and her twin sister Maren founded the first young people’s breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel!. Kris successfully campaigned for cancer education to be included in the school curriculum, won numerous awards for her work, and received an Honourary Doctorate from Nottingham Trent University. Kris died in May 2024. As the co-founder of CoppaFeel!, Maren has been instrumental in changing the landscape of breast awareness in the UK. Beyond awareness and early detection, Maren honours her late twin, Kris, by advocating for better quality of life in secondary breast cancer – pushing for improved palliative care, higher end-of-life standards, and more open conversations about death. Maren brings a compassionate, hands-on approach to her advocacy as a trained massage therapist with a special focus on oncology massage.