STUDENT Jess Buckland has taken drastic steps to raise £3,000 for her African charity challenge by offering groups to pay to tattoo her body.
A rugby club near London has kicked things off by donating almost £200 in exchange for the Kilburn Cosmos club crest to be inked on her ankle. Asda worker Jess, 21, from Quedgeley has not ruled out getting other tattoos from businesses displaying their logos on her body, in exchange for a donation to the Dig Deep charity.
Dig Deep works in partnership with communities in East Africa to help improve access to clean water, sanitation and renewable energy. Jess has to raise a minimum of £3,000 by mid-June. Half of that will pay for her trip to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the rest will go towards charitable causes.
"The tattoo came out really well, but it stung for a while afterwards," she said.
"I've showed the rugby club and they are really happy with it. I've had a lot of positive feedback. "One of the Dig Deep charity founders was connected to the Kilburn rugby club and when I came up with the idea of getting tattooed, they wanted to support it and it has grown from there. I've heard of other people who have had a photo of them wearing a Domino's pizza uniform up the mountain in exchange for a donation. "This idea of getting tattooed instead takes it a step further. It is advertising for the company. It is a novelty and not that many people will get the opportunity. If the donation is right, I would get anything done within reason."
Gods of Ink in Market Parade have done the work for free and Jess has offered to be photographed wearing one of their t-shirts on her climb. She has also received support for her latest tattoo from rugby players and supporters connected to the Kilburn club on Facebook.
Peter Fitzsimmons said: "Anytime you're in London and want to visit the club let us know. I'm sure you'd have a few drinks bought for you! "Good luck with the trek and let us know how you do."
Suzanne Marlow said: "This looks brilliant - total legend."
Neville Quenton Marshall said: "That is amazing. Very well done, massive respect."
To donate to Jess's cause, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jessicabuckland1.
