A lady who works tirelessly tattooing to raise cash for Christie’s has been recognised for her volunteering efforts.
Bury-born Claire Steele, who now lives in Holmes Chapel, took the titles ‘Overall Excellence Winner’ and the ‘Community Champion 2024’ at the recent Crème de la Crème Business Awards 2024 for her work with breast cancer patients at Christie’s hospital.
Claire (pictured in red dress) began cosmetic and medical tattooing four years ago, following the passing of her mum.
She said: “My mum battled a short but intense battle with cancer and sadly passed away at the Christie in 2019. It was being at the Christie everyday and seeing the sheer volume of people coming and going each day (knowing they were there for one reason and one reason only) I knew I wanted to do something to help… 3D areola reconstruction was the top of my list!”
3D areola reconstruction is a type of paramedical tattoo designed to restore the appearance of the areola and nipple by creating a realistic, three-dimensional effect on the skin. This technique is often used for individuals who have undergone breast reconstruction following mastectomies, surgeries, or trauma.
Claire offers the service free of charge and only asks for a donation of the patient’s choice to her Christie Fund. This service not only offers body confidence but for some is the final piece of the recovery puzzle.
She added: “I also offer other services which I donate 50% of the treatment cost to the Christie Fund, these include Skin Restoration, Scar Revision and Scar Camouflage. These treatments are popular with those post-surgery. For those recovering from Hysterectomy, C-Section, Knee/Hip/Shoulder replacements and even victims of self-harm.
“I was amazed to learn I had reached the finals in the Community Champion category, but didn’t for a second think I would win. Then to win the Overall Excellence Award….I’m still in disbelief.”
After her mum died, Claire decided to top her training up by learning how to do permanent cosmetics including areola construction which she now offers to breast cancer patients at Christie’s free of charge in memory of her mum.
Claire’s clinic is based within the salon ‘A Stroke Of Magic Hair & Beauty’ based in Goostrey.
