Image supplied by Alexandra Gable
MAREN HALLENGA
Voluntary Action, Breast Cancer Awareness
1985 -
Suggested by Alexandra Gable on behalf of Jane and Maike Hallenga
“Maren Hallenga helped her twin sister Kris to set up the charity CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity for younger people, following Kris’ diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 23.
Together they organised iconic events and initiatives to raise money and awareness of CoppaFeel! These include Festifeel, an annual music and comedy festival; the Uni Boob Team; the Text reminder service; the Boobettes, a group of women who have had breast cancer and talk about their experiences in schools and workplaces throughout the UK; The Rethink Cancer campaign to get cancer on the school curriculum which included a guerrilla projection on to the Houses of Parliament; the What Normal Feels Like billboard campaign, and the Hilly Hundred 2-day cycling challenge at the Eden Project.
Maren has been an unwavering support to her twin sister Kris from the beginnings of CoppaFeel! through to caring for her in her final days. Without Maren’s commitment in the background, Kris would not have been able to have elevated CoppaFeel! in the way she did, and in turn help so many thousands of people, ultimately saving lives.
Following Kris’ death, Maren has continued to support CoppaFeel!, promoting her sister’s story through a documentary film currently available on BBC iplayer and through an exhibition of Kris’ life, all with the focus of saving lives.
Maren studied Garden Design at Falmouth University many moons ago, and never left Cornwall. She has had her family in the county and built up a strong community of friends around her who supported her with Kris in her final days.”