Lucy Thompson, an entrepreneurial mother and tattoo artist, received a standing ovation during her recent TEDxNHS talk. Invited to speak on the renowned red dot stage, she shared her inspiring work with cancer survivors, highlighting how tattooing has become a vital lifeline for many.
Speaking to a live audience of around 400 at The Royal Institution in London, along with millions online via TEDxNHS.com, Thompson focused on nipple tattoos for individuals post-mastectomy. Through her charity, The Nipple Innovation Project, she provides an alternative service to the NHS. Founded in 2018, it is the UK’s first charity dedicated to mastectomy tattoos.
After her impactful presentation, Thompson was thrilled to connect with attendees, many of whom queued to speak with her. “Me standing on this stage is a culmination of so many years of hard work,” she stated. “Thousands of hours of volunteer work and advocacy have brought me to this point, enabling us to make a difference for so many. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us and what it means for those in the breast cancer community.”
The Nipple Innovation Project has partnered with Bradford Teaching Hospitals, becoming the first charity to collaborate with the NHS to offer nipple tattoo services post-surgery.
Thompson, 34, who began her tattoo career in 2013, was motivated to establish this service after witnessing her aunt’s struggles following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, nipple graft, and subsequent tattooing in a hospital setting. Ten years after her diagnosis, her aunt found that the tattoo had faded, necessitating additional treatment. This experience highlighted the emotional challenges and self-esteem issues that many face when their bodies change due to cancer.
“This is such an important topic,” Thompson emphasized. “It carries stigma and embarrassment. Raising awareness about how these tattoos can change lives is crucial. We aim to normalize conversations around nipples, allowing more people in the breast cancer community to access this restorative service and feel whole again after losing so much to cancer.”
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