If you go to my gym when I'm working out, you'll know I have tattoos. If you're anywhere near me two days after I've had a new one, you'll be aware of it too - because I complain a lot. They're itchy when they heal! Some people love tattoos, my mum dislikes them (although she seems interested in mine), and some people have them but decide they don't want them a couple of years later. I still love all my tattoos, my newest one most of all... because of the memories I've been left with. A few months ago a family member was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and soon afterwards, my sister-in-law came across a local charity tattoo marathon in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Nine of us jumped at the chance to show our support. We turned up en masse and selected our tattoos from the range of sixteen designs. We got our tats, watched each other get theirs, drank cider and ate chips. And we laughed... a lot. It was a beautiful, sunny day to remember for a long time to come. It's hard when someone you love is given a diagnosis like this, and it feels good to be able to help in some small way. But most of all, it's brilliant to have family who are willing to come together to do some amazing things like this. I got these birds on the back of my leg, just above a very old one. In fact, my last tattoo was 2007, but I've definitely got the bug back. Watch this space! |