Thatcham fundraiser at Black Rabbit Tattoo Collective raises money for Mastectomy Tattoo Alliance

A tattoo event has raised more than a thousand pounds for a cancer charity.

Black Rabbit Tattoo Collective in Thatcham raised £1,347.10 for Mastectomy Tattoo Alliance (MTA).

The MTA supports breast cancer survivors to reclaim their bodies after mastectomy surgeries.

It also trains tattoo artists to tattoo fake nipples onto people.

Thatcham tattoo artist, of seven years, Carrie Buckley and her colleagues Lou Henley and Belle Atkins organised the fundraising event all day on Sunday, October 29.

There was coffee, cakes and music to enjoy while people got tattooed for a greater cause.

Miss Buckley – who studied animations and illustrations at university – described the event as a day of girl power.

“I think it meant a lot to everyone,” she said.

“My partner’s wife died of cancer five years ago and he does a massive amount for charity.

“And my aunty passed away from cancer.

“Everyone put the same amount of energy into the day.

“There was a really good atmosphere.

“It’s nice to see just how strong women are.”

Miss Buckley has tattooed women who have had mastectomies in the past, covering their scars with flowers and butterflies.

One woman, Alex, said: “I wanted the tattoo, as the scar was a constant reminder of what I’d been through.

“Carrie designed the tattoo with exactly what I wanted and what would cover the scar.

“She did amazing work and instead of a scar, I now have a beautiful floral tattoo.

“My tattoo means the world to me and I now smile when I see myself in the mirror.”