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Inspiring details from Kris Hallenga’s Living Funeral

Details from Kris Hallengas living funeral

When Kris Hallenga, founder of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, decided to plan her own living funeral, she transformed the concept into something extraordinary – a “FUNeral” that celebrated life in all its vibrant glory. After living with terminal cancer for 15 years and attending numerous funerals, Kris was inspired to create a joyful celebration she could actually attend, turning the traditional concept of a funeral into an unforgettable party filled with music, laughter, and love.

Who is Kris Hallenga

Kris Hallenga (1985–2024) was an inspirational figure who transformed her breast cancer diagnosis at age 23 into a powerful mission to educate young people about early detection. As the founder of CoppaFeel!, she dedicated her adult life to breast cancer awareness, featured in the documentary “Kris: Dying to Live,” received a Pride of Britain Award in 2009, and authored the Sunday Times bestseller “Glittering a Turd.” Her legacy continues through CoppaFeel!, which remains dedicated to promoting early breast cancer detection among young people.

Kris Hallenga Living FUNeral

Ever determined to live life on her own terms, Kris’s living funeral plans became a FUNeral, it was her way of choosing to celebrate her life in her own way and have the send-off she wanted with friends and loved ones whilst she was here. Her living funeral was an inspiring mix of heartfelt tributes to a life well lived and a joy-filled celebration.

As the founder of a cancer charity, Kris had been to a lot of funerals and was inspired to plan a living funeral after realising that her friends had missed out on beautiful celebrations they would have loved to have been there to enjoy.

A Cathedral Celebration: Going Big and Bold

With a dress code theme of “You Only Die Once” (YODO), Kris chose a cathedral as her venue – a decision that perfectly embodied her “go big or go home” approach to celebration. The grand sacred space provided a stunning backdrop for what would become more like a life festival than a traditional funeral service. The majestic setting created a beautiful juxtaposition between the solemnity of the space and the joyful celebration within its walls.

Music That Moved the Soul (and Feet)

Music formed the heartbeat of Kris’s celebration, with the soaring voices of the Falmouth Community Gospel Choir filling the cathedral’s vaulted ceiling. A magnificent 20-piece orchestra added grandeur to the occasion, while a spirited ABBA singalong united everyone in joyful song. As day turned to night, the celebration transformed into a DJ-led silent disco that kept guests dancing until 1 AM, proving that even the most sacred spaces can become venues for pure joy.

Personal Touches That Made It Unforgettable

The YODO Dress Code

Kris set the tone with a showstopping outfit that embodied her spirit of celebration. She chose a glittery, 70s-inspired silver catsuit paired with a custom-made glittery jacket adorned with feathery sleeves and “YODO” emblazoned across the back. Her guests embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in an array of sequins and leopard print, with some even wearing wedding dresses. The result was a dazzling sea of celebration that transformed the traditional funeral dress code into something truly extraordinary.

Creating Lasting Memories

One of the most touching elements of the day was the cardboard casket decoration station. Here, guests could leave messages, doodles, and stickers, creating a unique and personal memorial that captured the love and memories shared between Kris and her community. This interactive element provided a meaningful way for guests to express their feelings while adding to the celebration’s creative spirit.

Heartfelt Words and Perfectly Pitched Humor

The celebration struck a beautiful balance between touching tributes and joyful entertainment. Friends delivered moving speeches, including what Kris described as “one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.” Adding an unexpected twist, Rob Broderick, an improv Irish rapper-comedian, transformed Kris’s eulogy into a musical tribute. The celebration reached new heights of joy when Dawn French made a special appearance as the Vicar of Dibley, bringing her signature humour to the proceedings and proving that laughter truly is the best medicine.

Creating Your Own Living Celebration

A living funeral offers a unique opportunity to celebrate life while creating precious memories with loved ones. It’s a chance to hear the impact you’ve had on others’ lives, share your story in your own words, and bring closure and healing while celebrating the joy of life. Whether you envision a grand cathedral celebration or an intimate gathering in your favourite place, your living funeral can be as unique as your own journey.

Related: How to Plan Your Own Living Funeral

Finding Your Perfect Celebrant

Planning a living funeral requires sensitivity, creativity, and careful coordination. A professional celebrant can be invaluable in bringing your vision to life. They’ll take time to understand your unique story and wishes, creating a ceremony that perfectly reflects your personality. From coordinating with musicians and venues to ensuring the day flows smoothly, a celebrant can help craft a celebration that honours your life while supporting your loved ones through the planning process.

Search our global celebrant directory to find a celebrant near you.

Your Life, Your Celebration

Kris Hallenga’s living funeral shows us that end-of-life celebrations don’t have to be sombre affairs. They can be filled with joy, music, laughter, and love – creating precious memories for everyone involved. Whether you envision a cathedral celebration with a gospel choir or an intimate gathering in your favourite place, a living funeral gives you the opportunity to celebrate life your way.

The key to a meaningful living funeral lies in its ability to reflect the personality, values, and wishes of the person being celebrated. Whether you dream of a cathedral filled with music or a quiet gathering in nature, a living funeral gives you the opportunity to celebrate life your way.

Ready to plan your own meaningful celebration? The Celebrant Directory can connect you with experienced celebrants who specialize in creating unique and personal ceremonies that celebrate life in all its glory. Together, you can create a celebration that’s as unique as your own journey – one that brings joy, healing, and precious memories to share with those you love most.

“Life is precious, and sometimes the best way to honour it is to celebrate it while we’re here to enjoy the party.”

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