BBC Factual has announced Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story (w/t), with October Films in production on the documentary special celebrating the incredible life of the breast cancer campaigner following her death in May this year.

October Films and Neil Bonner previously produced and directed the 2014 BBC One documentary Kris: Dying to Live, which followed Kris and her twin sister Maren building the fastest growing charity in Europe, Coppafeel, and sharing her unique philosophy on living with cancer. Her humour, energy and bravery captured the imagination of viewers and reminded millions to make sure they took regular medical check-ups.

The new film, Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story (w/t) includes family archive of Kris and Maren’s childhoods from the moment of their births, diary footage shot by Kris and Maren throughout their campaigning activities and beyond, and hours of powerful and celebratory scenes filmed by Neil Bonner over the past 10 years including the final weeks of her life; “a time when the incredible bond she and Maren have shared since the womb enables them to find solace and joy in spite of the hardship.”

Family members and friends, including Fearne Cotton and Dawn French, also describe what Kris meant to them personally and reflect on her status as an iconic British woman.

Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, says: “Kris was a hugely inspirational woman who had a great impact on the many people who live with cancer by helping to raise awareness, and the importance of being checked early. I would like to say a huge thanks to Kris’s family for entrusting us to now tell this chapter of her story.”

Neil Bonner, Director, October Films adds: “Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story (w/t) is an intimate and celebratory film exploring Kris’s irrepressible spirit as she confronts mortality in her own unique way. It will be emotionally hard-hitting as well as touching, heartfelt and funny. I want it to be a life-affirming documentary which turns hopelessness on its head and leaves us with Kris’ unique understanding of what it means to live and die.”

Matt Robins, Executive Producer, says: “Anyone who met Kris could not help but be touched by her charisma, honesty and humour. I am fortunate to have known her and feel privileged to be able to share her and Maren’s story. I have no doubt that millions of people will take joy from witnessing a life truly lived, by a woman who dared to harness the power of her voice to change the world.”

Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story (w/t) is an October Films production directed & produced by Neil Bonner, with Executive Producers Claire Hughes, Adam Bullmore and Matt Robins. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and the Commissioning Editor is Tom Pullen. It will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in October.