A 98-year-old grandmother has got her first ever tattoo in tribute to her grandson who took his own life.
Awareness For Mental Health
Winifred Pinner, from Birmingham, wanted to raise money for the mental health charity Mind, after her 34-year-old grandson Jamie died by suicide in September last year.
The father-of-one had been suffering from depression for more than a decade and would often speak to his family about his mental health condition.
What Inspired The Tattoo?
Winifred, also known as Nanny Win, told the BBC: ‘New Year’s Day I was sitting here thinking about him and it was as if he was laughing at me and joking.
‘I said “Yes, I’m going to have a tattoo with your name” and I could see him laughing at me.
“Silly old nanny” he would say and that’s how it all started – and lovely people out there have already donated and I’m so thankful for them.’
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Her granddaughter, Gemma, who has been a tattoo artist for more than 10 years, worked on the design and inked Winifred on February 18.
Details of The Tattoo
The tattoo features a black heart with Jamie’s initial inside it along with a smaller, red love heart.
Speaking about getting her first tattoo, the grandmother said the sensation was ‘surprising,’ adding: ‘It’s a lot better than I thought it would be.
‘It’s a comfort to know that Gemma is doing it. I’d feel a bit strange with somebody else.’
Speaking of mental health, she added: ‘Don’t be ashamed to ask for help, [It’s] out there, be brave and talk to somebody.’
Gemma said: ‘It being my own nan makes it even more nerve-wracking.
‘However I’ve been tattooing 10 years and I’m confident I’ll be able to produce something she will be happy with.
‘It’s special that it’s for my brother and it’s a tribute for him and it feels extra special that it’s in the family and she doesn’t have to go elsewhere in order to get the tattoo.’
