Nan, 98, gets first tattoo in memory of grandson

Winifred Pinner getting a tattoo from Gemma
Image caption,

Nanny Win got her first tattoo surrounded by family

  • Published

A 98-year-old grandmother has got her first tattoo in tribute to her grandson.

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

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

She said getting her tattoo from her granddaughter Gemma, who is a trained tattoo artist, was "a comfort".

Image caption,

The tattoo incorporates a heart with Jamie's initial

She described getting the sensation of getting a tattoo as "surprising", saying, "It's a lot better than I thought it would be".

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

"Thinking of all the people who have donated, that supported me and said some kind words. It all helps," she said.

Getting the tattoo done by her granddaughter and surrounded by family made the experience special.

She said: "It's a comfort to know that Gemma is doing it. I'd feel a bit strange with somebody else."

The fundraising page, set up by Mrs Pinner's son, had raised around £1,000.

Her grandson Jamie often spoke to his family about his mental health struggles as he had suffered from depression for more than a decade.

"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.

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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