In a unique initiative to raise money for cancer research, Thirroul tattooist Wayne Cartwright, along with four fellow skin artists, will spend hours on Sunday, needling bodily cancer tributes.

Mr Cartwright, owner of Soul Expression, said interest in the Tattoo for Cancer event had already reached fever-pitch, with many people eager to get a permanent ode to their cancer experience.

‘‘It’s a very emotional subject for a lot of people,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve done plenty of similar tattoos in the past and they always have so much meaning.

‘‘It could be someone who has been touched by cancer or a survivor and they get the tattoo to remind them of their journey; it’s often their first tattoo and the most important.’’

Having long been keen to get his hands dirty for charity, Mr Cartwright devised Sunday’s event after his own cancer experiences.

‘‘I wanted to give back to the community, I had thought about doing charity work,’’ he said.

‘‘I just felt the need to try and help after seeing loved ones and other people go through cancer.

‘‘There is a cure out there and Australian researchers are some of the best in the world – anything we can do to help is great.’’

Courageous volunteers will pay $70 for a small, cancer-inspired tattoo, with all money raised going to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.

Beaches Hotel in Thirroul is set to host a silent auction, live music and sausage sizzle throughout the day and is also the event’s official ‘‘after party’’ venue.

Tattoo for Cancer will be held at Soul Expression, under Anita’s Theatre, from 10am to 4pm.

Bookings are not required.

For more information, visit the Tattoo for Cancer Facebook page.