Glittering a Turd

*An updated edition with new material by Maren, in memory of her sister Kris.*

'I did not expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer at twenty-three…But here we are. If there's something to learn from life (aside from its unpredictability), it's that turds come in varying shapes, sizes and guises'

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, CoppaFeel!, 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.

Readers can't help but fall in love with Kris and her story:

'Kris’s warmth, candour, humour, strength and spirit shine ‘glitter-bright’ in this book, just as she did. I wish we had met, but I feel as if we did after reading this inspirational, relatable and wonderful book’ – Kylie Minogue

‘A vibrant, beautiful, bold and honest book, just like Kris’ – Fearne Cotton

‘A manifesto for how to be alive’ – Dawn O'Porter

Reviews

'Kris’s warmth, candour, humour, strength and spirit shine ‘glitter-bright’ in this book, just as she did. I wish we had met, but I feel as if we did after reading this inspirational, relatable and wonderful book.’ – Kylie Minogue

‘A vibrant, beautiful, bold and honest book, just like Kris.’ – Fearne Cotton

‘A manifesto for how to be alive.’ – Dawn O'Porter

'If you feel your heart break reading this – just wait for the glorious sparkly love to flow back in and mend it. This story is a reminder of how to live fully, with hope and joy, no matter what.’ – Dannii Minogue

‘Makes you feel grateful for every second you’re alive.’ – Dermot O'Leary

‘The life-affirming boost we all need.’ – Giovanna Fletcher

‘I wanted to give her a standing ovation.’ – Annie Mac

About the author

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.