Lorraine Kelly announced on her ITV show that Hazel, a member of her Change + Check choir, has died, describing her as a “fantastic woman”.
The Scottish presenter was back on screens on Monday, October 12, hosting her long-running ITV programme. During the show, Lorraine informed viewers about the sad loss while discussing the ground-breaking Change + Check campaign, which raises awareness of breast cancer.
Emotional announcement on air
“Some sad news for you this morning, one of our Change + Check choir, Hazel, there she is, laughing as usual,” Lorraine said, as a picture of the pair appeared on the screen.
“[Hazel] has very sadly died. We are sending all our love to her family and friends she really was a fantastic woman and will be very sadly missed,” Lorraine added.
Instagram tribute and fan support
Lorraine also shared the news on her Instagram last week. Alongside a photo of her and Hazel, Lorraine said in the caption: “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!!!”
Lorraine’s followers and fans flooded the comments section with support. One person said: “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 added: “God bless you, Hazel, such a lovely lady.” Susanna Reid also commented: “This is so sad,” along with a love heart emoji. A third fan wrote: “She will be very missed, sending lots of love to her family.”
Campaign impact
Since 2019, Lorraine has been spearheading the Change and Check campaign, which she initiated alongside her producer Helen Addis, who was diagnosed with grade three invasive breast cancer after finding a lump while showering.
Thousands of changing rooms nationwide are now adorned with informative stickers, thanks to a national sticker campaign aimed at educating women on breast self-examination. The campaign has been a resounding success, with 100 women contacting Lorraine and Helen to say that these stickers were instrumental in the early detection of their cancer, leading to timely treatment.
Watch Lorraine Monday to Friday at 9:30am on ITV1.
