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Care home resident fulfils her wish to get a tattoo

A care home resident from Care UK’s Foxland Grange in the West Midlands has finally fulfilled her teenage dream to get her first tattoo.

Helen Allen, aged 77, had always wanted a tattoo, since admiring her late partner’s, who was a biker. When Foxland Grange became a Care UK care home in 2022, the team installed a ‘Wishing Tree’ – an initiative giving residents the opportunity to suggest ideas for new hobbies they would like to try, places they would like to visit, and activities they would like to do.

Having always regretted not getting a tattoo during her teenage years, Helen decided to add her request to the home’s wishing tree.

Local tattoo studio Some’ink Different was happy to make Helen’s wish a reality, and offered to help, free of charge. With her design – a small butterfly – chosen, Helen was tattooed by Some’ink Different co-owner Garth Cole-Jones.

Helen said: “I don’t know why I didn’t get it done sooner – or why people say it’s painful! Although it’s hard to describe the feeling, I wouldn’t call it painful. Garth, the tattooist, made me feel so at ease, and I couldn’t believe how quick it took. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Chelsea May, director of community relations at Foxland Grange, said: “When Helen put a wish to get a tattoo on the wishing tree, it was a real surprise and something we didn’t expect but we couldn’t wait to start organising it for her.

“Here at Foxland Grange, we like to help residents complete lifelong wishes. We encourage residents to dream big and share their hopes and ambitions. We hope Helen inspires others to make their dreams a reality, no matter their age.

“I would like to thank tattooist Garth and the team for helping to organise the wish – this is one butterfly that Helen can keep forever!”

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Upcoming Events

Kent & Medway Registered Manager Conference for Kent Care Providers

Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
10th October 2023

Care Show Birmingham 2023

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
11th October - 12th October 2023

Care Roadshow South

Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom
17th October 2023

Dementia Summit

The King’s Fund, No.11 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN
Tuesday 31st October 2023

Kent and Medway Care Sector Digital Event

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, ME17 1RE
8th November 2023

Care Roadshow Wales

Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
14th November 2023

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