A fear of needles usually conjures up images of hospitals and sick beds, perhaps a caring hand to squeeze as you are vaccinated for some unpronounceable disease. This was probably still the case for Debbie Knight, whose diagnosis of systemic lupus saw her having regular blood tests since the age of 14.

Ms. Knight recently had her first voluntary needle experience. But it was a different needle that brought her to terms with the frightening prospect of being pricked, and for a different reason altogether.

Yesterday the 18-year-old was tattooed with the Breast Cancer Foundation logo, in support of an aunt who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"The pain of a tattoo is probably not anything [like what] women who have breast cancer-or anybody that has breast cancer-has to go through."

Having gone through a chronic autoimmune disease herself, Ms. Knight said that the tattoo was intended to be a symbol for everyone that struggles through such things. "People that have passed on or survived through it."

Ms. Knight has raised over $300 for the Breast Cancer Foundation through sponsorship for her personal contribution.

Ms. Knight says she expects more donations when her tattoo is complete. The body art's designer, Hayden Colvill of Burt Toast, placed cherry blossom flowers around the signature pink ribbon logo.