Father to use son's ashes in tattoo

A father from Herefordshire is to have a portrait of his dead son tattooed on his chest using the child's ashes. Mark Richmond, 39, and his wife Lisa, 31, said they wanted to do something as a lasting tribute to their son Ayden.

He had a rare condition which meant he was unable to process fats and died in 2005, aged two years and four months.

The couple, who own a tattoo parlour in Greater Manchester, plan to mix some of Ayden's ashes in the ink for a 7in black and white portrait of him. Mr Richmond said he still "feels at a loss and a little bit angry" about losing Ayden.



He has not been to visit his grave yet in Evesham, Worcestershire, and said he hoped the tattoo would help him cope. He came up with the idea of using the ashes after his wife inquired about having a locket made by one of their customers so that she could always keep the ashes near her.

He said: "I just thought, why not. I'm an artist, what better way to express myself than by designing a tattoo of my son using some of his ashes." The ashes contain carbon, which is what tattoo ink is usually made from, Mr Richmond said.

He said: "Some people might think it's a bit morbid, but until they have been through what we have, I don't think they can really judge us."