A tattoo studio in Shropshire has been fundraising for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, due to their connection to two blind veterans supported by the charity.
The owners of Double Ks tattoo studio in Newport have selected Blind Veterans UK as their chosen charity and kick-started their efforts over the Remembrance weekend. On Saturday 11 November, the studio donated the profits from any tattoos done on that day to the charity. Over the course of the day, three members of staff completed 11 tattoos and raised over £900.
Pam Murray, who owns the studio with her husband, said: “Many of the tattoos that were chosen were linked to Remembrance. We are so proud to be able to support Blind Veterans UK, it’s such an important charity. These lads and girls have fought for us and we want to give back to them as our way of saying thank you. Our clients also love our charity days and the opportunity to give back.
“We personally know two blind veterans who are supported by the charity so it has a personal meaning to us and not only that but Llandudno, where one of the charity’s centres is, happens to be our favourite place to visit so it all came together.”
A friend of the studio’s owners, who is himself a blind veteran, had a tattoo drawn during the charity fundraiser of his old regiment’s cap badge. Julian Northall, 56 and from Broseley, has recently joined Blind Veterans UK after he lost his sight due to macular degeneration.
He says: “It means everything to me that Double Ks is supporting Blind Veterans UK. I only began to be supported by the charity last year but they have already done so much for me. I’ve been matched up with a volunteer and we enjoy a chat and a walk around and I’ve been assisted with technology that has helped me regain my independence such as a mobile phone with software for those with sight loss. The staff are fantastic and the charity has really given me something to look forward to.”
Double Ks tattoo studio also held a raffle at Christmas to boost their fundraising for Blind Veterans UK and were able to push their total over £1,000. They are planning to continue to support the charity with an art auction later this year.