A MAKE-UP artist is offering free breast reconstruction tattoos to cancer survivors.

Women who have had a breast removed through a mastectomy will be offered a tattoo to recreate the appearance of a nipple by an award winning tattooist.

Lucy White, 33, from Rayleigh is hoping to help those stuck on a two year waiting list with the NHS.

She said: “I began by doing the eyebrows and lips of women who have had chemotherapy.

“That inspired me to train to become qualified in areola tattooing.

“The reason I want to do this is to help women who have undergone chemotherapy and have had mastectomies.

“I want to give back to the community too.

“I complete my tattooing training on Tuesday.

“I will then offer women who have survived breast cancer reconstruction tattooing free of charge.

“I am currently not funded by anyone or any charity.

“Hopefully soon I will receive some funding to continue helping these women.”

The permanent procedure involves an implant of pigment in the skin giving the illusion of a nipple which can be removed during breast cancer surgery.

After having years of experience in the permanent make-up industry, Lucy has taken steps to become qualified in these types of tattoos.

Lucy has also won prizes for her permanent make-up expertise, having come second in a competition held at Heathrow Airport for the best permanent eyeliner artist in the UK.

She also won 2016’s Best Newcomer Award and was named among the finalists at a variety of other industry awards.

The permanent make-up artist has now set up her own academy

At the moment, the NHS does offers the service to breast cancer survivors, but the waiting time in Essex can be up to two years.

Body artist Lucy became qualified as a permanent makeup artist in 2014 after extensive training and wants to help those who have undergone the traumatic experience in south Essex.