One of the women is getting her first tattoo at the age of 82
L-R: Trish, Joanne, and Jackie who are all getting the forget-me-not tattoo(Image: Joanne Golden)
Three women are getting a special tattoo in a bid to raise money for Cottingham Manor care home and Alzheimer’s Society. Activities & Events Lead Joanne Golden came up with the idea.
She is joined by Trish and Jackie, who have loved ones at Cottingham Manor. Jackie is 82 years old and has not had a tattoo before, but Joanne said she was keen to sign up straight away.
Joanne recalled: “I said to her, ‘Would you mind having a tattoo at that age?’ She laughed and said, ‘Do you know what, if I can raise some money and some awareness, let’s do it.'”
The tattoos are being inked for free, thanks to Nick of Reaper Ink in Beverley, who has first-hand experience of loved ones being diagnosed with dementia. The Forget-Me-Not flower design is a symbol of love, remembrance, and support for everyone living with dementia.
Joanne said: “It is close to everybody’s heart. Everybody has now known someone or knows someone living with dementia and the effects it has on the families.
The Halloween event at Cottingham Manor care home(Image: Joanne Golden)
“It needs more awareness and more support in our area. It shouldn’t just be a platform for somebody who is famous or well-known.”
Joanne said some of the behaviour changes that come with dementia are poorly understand. She said: “Say you have 15 memories in your life, when you have dementia, you only have three memories with you. And that could be the three worst memories you’ve ever had.
“It’s just about getting more research. Fortunately, I am not in a position where anybody I know has got it right now.”
Joanne said the money is being split between Alzheimer’s Society and activities for the care home residents. Visits from singers and musicians are particularly beneficial, she added.
Joanne said: “They won’t remember their family members, they won’t remember their names, but you play a record or someone has come in to do some entertainment, and they can sing along the words to every song. It is amazing.
“The fundraiser will enable us to get singers in more regularly for them. And even dancing – they just love dancing.”
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has hit 85% of its target. You can donate here on Just Giving.