Cornish Cancer Survivor’s Book Reaches Sunday Times Bestseller List in First Week of Sales

A book written by Newquay-based Kris Hallenga has reached the Sunday Times best-seller list in the first week of hitting the bookshelves.  “Glittering a Turd” has reached number 6 in the most influential book sales chart in the UK.

Published on 19th August by independent publishers Unbound, the book is a story about an ordinary girl who, with a side-helping of cancer, makes life extraordinary.  

Kris Hallenga was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer at the age of 23 and shortly after, started the national breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel!, which now raises over 2 million pounds per year. Kris stepped down as CEO three years ago and now pursues speaking engagements and writing whilst working for Coppafeel! part time. She is also the ambassador for Cornish botanical brand EthicaCBD, and runs an ice cream and coffee van in Newquay harbour.  

Kris has always used the tongue-in-cheek phrase “Glittering a Turd” to describe how she gets through life;  by looking at the positives and turning the negative into something more wonderful. Glittering a Turd is more than just another cancer memoir; it's a handbook for living life to the fullest, shining a new perspective on survival and learning to glitter your own turd, whatever it might be.  

Celebrity fan Fearne Cotton reviewed Kris’ book saying, 'This honest and beautiful book is a story of resilience and doing life your way’, whilst presenter Dermot O’Leary said, Kris' story should make you feel grateful for every second you're alive. It's a testament to her positivity, empathy, bravery and her unfailing sense of humour. She is the most incredible human. It's a privilege to know her and to be in awe of her

Ruarri Spurgeon, founder of Cornish brand EthicaCBD who works with Kris said “She is an amazing advocate for how to live your life to the full and a beautiful human being. We couldn’t dream of a better ambassador for our brand.”  

Kris said “I am absolutely gobsmacked at making the Sunday Times Bestseller list. It is beyond my wildest dreams to think that this many people are reading my words. I’m riding a wonderfully glittery rollercoaster at the moment and so grateful to everyone who supports me!”