Lorraine Kelly has announced the death of her friend Hazel, a much-loved member of the Change + Check Choir. The choir was formed as part of Lorraine's Change + Check campaign, which was launched on her ITV morning programme to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage women to check their breasts.
Hazel was one of the women who joined the choir after being affected by the campaign, which has helped bring together people whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Emotional social media tribute
Lorraine shared the heartbreaking news of Hazel's death on social media, paying tribute to her friend. The ITV presenter took to Instagram alongside a photo of the pair together at a choir event.
In the picture, Lorraine can be seen smiling as Hazel appears to say something into her ear. The pair are wearing matching Love Is All Around T-shirts, from the choir's charity single with Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow, while holding their choir sheets.
Sharing the snap, Lorraine wrote: "Sad news. Our Hazel has died. Thoughts with her family and friends and all the members of our Change and Check Choir. Glad I got to know this force of nature. CHECK YOUR BOOBS!!!"
Support from followers and choir members
The post was quickly filled with comments of support, with both members of the choir and Lorraine's followers sharing their condolences and memories of Hazel.
One comment read: "Oh my goodness I am lost for words. What a special, kind lady, I am lost for words, what a honour to know Hazel."
Another said: "Sad news indeed. She was however admirable - as are you and all your fabulous girls - for raising awareness and facing the challenges head on!"
Meanwhile a third paid tribute to Hazel alongside another former member of the choir, writing: "Will miss our golden girl very much. Hope she’s having a cheeky glass or 2 with our other golden girl Heather. Xx"
Campaign's impact
The Change + Check Choir was created to spread the message behind Lorraine's breast cancer awareness campaign, with its members sharing their own experiences to encourage others to get checked.
The campaign has had a significant impact, with more than 100 women and one man contacting the Lorraine programme to say they received their breast cancer diagnosis after seeing the Change + Check campaign.
The choir is made up mostly of women who discovered they had breast cancer after seeing the campaign or becoming involved with the programme. Through their performances and appearances, the group have continued to raise awareness of the importance of knowing what is normal for you and speaking to a GP about any changes.
