Tattoo artists donate whole day's proceeds to family bereaved by suicide

AN Antrim tattoo parlour has raised an amazing £400 from just one day of providing £20 tattoos to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health.

Cloak & Dagger Collective owner Stefan Getty had initially intended to donate the proceeds from Friday’s initiative to a charity - until a man who had been bereaved by suicide game in to get inked in memory of his son.

The semi-colon tattoos represent a message of affirmation and solidarity with those who have dealt with suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.

Now, the money raised will go directly to the children of the man who passed away.

Stefan said: “Rather than sending the money to a big charity, we decided to keep it local and personal.

“We donated the money to a gentleman who sadly lost his son to suicide, leaving behind young children.

“We wanted the money to go directly to them, to hopefully give a bit of help and support during such a hard time.

“It was meant to be. When he walked in and told us his story, and what the tattoo would mean to him, I just knew those children should be the ones to benefit.

“It means so much to see our community come together for something like this and we regard ourselves as part of the Antrim community.

“Our two apprentices did most of the tattoos and we were flat out on Friday.

“It will be one of the most important days of their career and something they will never forget.

“Suicide and mental health issues have touched so many lives and we were honoured that so many people felt able to tell us their stories.

“Thank you again to everyone who donated, bought something, or just came down to show support — it really will make a difference.”