When Sharron Reynolds had a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis she did not initially feel the need to have reconstructive surgery.

The Mansfield mum of two who says she was still confident in her own skin following the surgery was fearful the cancer may return so instead decided to wait until the time felt right five years later.

Sharron, who works for charity Brighter Mansfield, was offered a nipple tattoo following her operation but did not feel like it was something she needed.

Sharron, aged 60, of Ladybrook said: “I was offered a nipple tattoo through the NHS after the operation but I’m quite a positive person and felt like it didn’t particularly bother me when I looked in the mirror. There were times though like when I’d go swimming and would get changed and noticed other people look and then quickly look away. I didn’t want to trigger anyone who had been through breast cancer or lost relatives to it and when my husband came across Danielle on Facebook I decided to go and find out more.”

Sharron Reynolds, aged 60, has a new found confidence following her tattoo procedure.

placeholder image — Sharron Reynolds, aged 60, has a new found confidence following her tattoo procedure.

Professional tattooist Danielle Rhodes offers free 3D nipple and areola tattoos at Tabula Rasa, the Chesterfield studio that she co-founded with Holly Tunnicliffe in 2023.

Sharron said: “We had a great consultation and Danielle made me feel so at ease. When we started the sessions Danielle constantly checked how I was doing throughout. She’s so gentle and supportive and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all.

"After the first sitting I decided to ask Danielle to add a butterfly design as butterflies are special to me and signified a new start. In the end it was quite a spiritual and cathartic journey and helped me with closure, I didn't expect it to mean quite so much as I didn't initially feel like I needed to do this but it felt like saying goodbye to that part of my life and starting a new chapter.

"The results were so amazing and so realistic but it helped me more psychologically to draw a line under the cancer and everyday when I see the butterfly it raises a smile.

Danielle Rhodes does nipple tattoos at Tabula Rasa, Chesterfield

“Now if I am at the swimming pool changing I feel like it’s more likely that people will notice the butterfly than anything else, it has definitely made me feel more confident.”

Danielle trained in nipple tattooing with Lucy Thompson, founder of the Nipple Innovation Project (NIP) which is the first mastectomy tattooing charity in the UK.

Since completing her training in the specialism Danielle is now making a difference to the lives of people who have been treated for breast cancer, gone through preventative surgery or had a gender affirmation procedure.

Danielle said: “It's a lovely thing to be able to do for people - it really does change their life. I’ve been doing tattoos for over 10 years – and it’s always been a goal of mine to give back and help people. It's such a small thing that I can offer people but it means everything to me.

Danielle Rhodes with NIP volunteer Tori at a charity day to raise money for NIP.

“What they’ve gone through is such a painful experience, it’s long and drawn out and it leaves them with physical and emotional scars.

“That person has got used to not having a nipple so it can be quite traumatic. It's very, very emotional when they look in the mirror for the first time and see a nipple there. It’s incredible to see how much confidence people leave with.”

Since her cancer diagnosis Sharron is also giving back and has set up a cancer support group at Ladybrook Community Centre using her experience to help others.

The group meet on the first Monday of the month at 5.30pm and the third Monday of the month at 1.30pm.

Danielle Rhodes has been a tattoo artist for more than 10 years

Sharron said: “When I went through my diagnosis and treatment I was fortunate to have a brilliant support network around me but I think it was probably harder for my husband and daughters because I was the one going through it and it was very much out of their control so the group is great for both people going through cancer and their family and friends around them.

"We’re a very small group and have some people who have been coming for five year and others who attend a couple of sessions and get what they need from that. To have that pier support is so important and can be so helpful.

"For anyone wanting to know more about the nipple tattoo process and procedure I would love them to come along to one of the sessions and I’m more than happy to speak to them about it and share my experience.

"There’s not always a lot of support around post treatment which is why I wanted to start the group. If you’re going through cancer you need to find your kindred spirits and have support from someone who knows exactly how you feel, these people become your allies and best support network.”

To arrange a consultation with Danielle, visit her social pages at: www.instagram.com/danidoesnips, www.facebook.com/danirhodestattoo, www.facebook.com/danielledaryleerhodes or email: [email protected]