Coppafeel founder uses CBD to lead a ‘happier life’ with cancer

The founder of UK breast cancer charity Coppafeel has opened up about her use of CBD after  her diagnosis.

Long-time cancer patient and charity founder Kris Hallenga has joined forces with a Cornish CBD brand to help educate the public, and share her own personal experiences as a cancer patient using CBD oil      

Kris was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 23.

Despite her terminal prognosis she set up the charity Coppafeel in 2009 to encourage young people to be proactive about their own health, in the knowledge that catching cancer early means you have a better chance of surviving. 

One of the UK’s fastest growing charities, Coppafeel now has a team of 18 staff and travels the country raising awareness of breast cancer in universities, workplaces and at live events and festivals.

Kris founded Coppafeel in 2009

Its own one-day event Festifeel is curated by presenter and radio star Fearne Cotton.

Now Kris has revealed that alongside conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, she uses a variety of practices such as mindful breathing, acupuncture, cold sea swimming and yoga to complement and to help her live a healthier life.

She has used CBD oil for a long time and says that it helps her to sleep, relaxes her when she is anxious about scan results and also helps with pain relief. 

“When you’re diagnosed with cancer you have that feeling of losing all control. You’re in your doctor’s capable hands, but you start looking for ways to boost your immune system so that your body is fortified and more able to deal with the drugs,” Kris explains.

“People can be quick to judge when you use therapies not prescribed by your doctor, but if something makes you feel good, lessens your pain and helps you live a more full, happy life then does it matter if it doesn’t yet have the scientific documents to support it? Surely the proof is in the pudding?”

Kris admits that it took her a long time to cut through the swathes of misleading information out there, before she found a local Cornish company EthicaCBD.

Based in Bude, North Cornwall, the brand was developed when its  co-founder was dealing with his own health issues, after being diagnosed with the disease Ankylosing Spondylitis.

“There are so many CBD products in the marketplace that you have to be careful about which you choose because it’s not always clear what is put in them,” says Kris.

EthicaCBD co-founder Ruarri Spurgeon

“EthicaCBD is a local Cornish brand that focuses on being natural, ethical and sustainable. The products are pure and have no heavy metals or ‘nasties’ and the brand is transparent in everything it does which offers peace of mind.” 

Kris will be working with the company to further their joint vision around locally-made, ethical, premium quality CBD products.

The founders of EthicaCBD are delighted to have such a formidable woman as Kris on board, as co-founder Ruarri Spurgeon says: “Our company ethos is to be honest, transparent and accountable in all we do, and we believe that working with an inspirational woman like Kris will prove beneficial for all. The aim of the partnership is to help those who need it to find some enlightenment and respite.

Ruarri adds: “We are only scratching the surface of what can be achieved with the magnificent wonder plant and are delighted to have Kris on board to help us spread the word about the benefits of hemp and CBD to all those who need it.”