Nan, 98, plans tattoo tribute in grandson's memory

Nanny Win had raised £600 so far for mental health charity MIND

A grandmother is getting her first tattoo aged 98 in memory of her grandson.

Winifred Pinner, from Birmingham, took on the challenge to raise money for mental health charity Mind after her 34-year-old grandson Jamie took his own life.

The father-of-one had been suffering from depression for more than a decade and often spoke to his family about his struggles.

Mrs Pinner, known as Nanny Win, said the idea for the fundraiser came to her a few months after Jamie's death in September.

"New Year's Day I was sitting here thinking about him and it was as if he was laughing at me and joking," she said.

"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."

Gemma Pinner said her grandmother's request was unusual

Her granddaughter Gemma is a trained tattoo artist and has been working on the design.

The 38-year-old told BBC Radio WM she was honoured but admitted it was an unusual situation.

"It being my own nan makes it even more nerve-wracking but I've been tattooing 10 years and I'm confident I'll be able to produce something she will be happy with," she said.

"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."

'Help is out there'

Mrs Pinner will get the heart tattoo on her arm on 18 February and the design will incorporate her grandson's initials.

The family hoped it would inspire others to talk about their mental health, as well as raise funds for Mind.

Mrs Pinner said the loss of her grandson made her think "why wasn't I there for him? Why couldn't he talk to me?".

"If we could say people don't be ashamed to ask for help... help is out there, be brave and talk to somebody," she added.

The fundraising page, set up by Mrs Pinner's son, has already raised nearly £600.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this report, the BBC Action Line has a list of organisations that may be able to help.

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