Freemasons Help Breast Cancer Survivors

Northumberland Freemasons have donated £1,000 to the North East Nipple Project, enabling specialist training that will further enhance support for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.

The North East Nipple Project, run by Amanda Patterson and Megan Jones, provides free areola tattooing for women who have undergone breast surgery following breast cancer. The treatment, often described as the final stage of breast reconstruction, plays a vital role in restoring confidence and helping women feel whole again. Although areola tattooing is available on the NHS, long waiting lists and limited access mean many women are unable to receive this care in a timely way.

Amanda who works from her studio in Wallsend explained:

“Areola tattooing is often the last piece of the jigsaw after breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, many women can’t afford to access it privately. We fundraise so we can step in and offer a number of these treatments free every month to those who need them most.”

Megan who has a clinic in Sherburn Hill Co Durham added:

“We call areola tattooing the gift of confidence. It allows women to feel like themselves again after a long and difficult journey. It really is the final step towards emotional and physical recovery.”

The donation from Northumberland Freemasons has been used to fund advanced areola tattooing and skin camouflage training, allowing the pair to further develop their skills. This includes learning advanced techniques to better disguise scarring and work effectively across a wide range of skin types, ensuring the highest possible standard of care.

“The funding has helped us grow as artists,” said Megan.

“But more importantly, it means the women we support receive the very best treatment we can offer.”

Norman West, representing Northumberland Freemasons, said:

“This was a very unique funding application. After everything these women have been through, we felt it was important to support a project that helps restore confidence and allows them to move forward feeling better about themselves.”

Amanda and Megan expressed their gratitude, adding:

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Northumberland Freemasons. This support doesn’t just benefit us as practitioners — it directly impacts the women we work with and helps ensure the care we provide is of the highest quality.”

Applications for grants are open to any community or charitable organisation in need of support, provided they can outline their project’s purpose, funding requirements, and charitable status. The Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund donates around £160,000 annually to local causes across Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside. From food banks to youth development projects, the Freemasons’ contributions help strengthen communities throughout the region.

To learn more about Freemasonry or to explore membership opportunities, visit www.northumberlandmasons.org.uk.