Surrey care home resident gets first tattoo at 88

An 88-year-old resident at a care home in Surrey has ticked an ink-redible item off her bucket list. 

Merlyn Blatchford, who lives at Care UK’s Liberham Lodge in Leatherhead, finally saw her wish of getting a tattoo come true.

Though her father disapproved of them, Merlyn used to admire everyone’s tattoos when she was a young girl and dreamed of going under the needle herself someday. 

She mentioned it to her care home team, who found a local tattoo parlour – Eternal Tattoos – and booked an appointment. 

Commenting on her reason for wanting a tattoo, Merlyn said: “Why not? It will cause people surprise when I take my cardigan off!”

Merlyn was initially set on a floral design. However, when she walked into the studio, she immediately fell in love with the drawing of a vibrant bird standing on a branch. 

Merlyn said: “I chose the bird because it stands out. It is colourful, interesting and it brings me joy.”

Though she was initially nervous, Merlin bravely sat on the tattooist’s chair, ready to see the bird come to life on her arm. 

Merlyn added: “I found the whole experience wonderful. I am so happy the team took me out to fulfil one of my bucket-list items. Shockingly, I felt nothing more than a tickle!  

“I love how it turned out, and it makes me so happy to finally have my tattoo that I have always longed for. I have shown everyone at home my new addition.”

Jagpal Singh, General Manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “When Merlyn told us about her wish to get a tattoo, it was a real surprise and something we didn’t expect! But we couldn’t wait to start organising it for her. 

“Age is just a number and we believe you’re never too old to tick items off your bucket list, even when they’re a little out of the ordinary. We hope Merlyn inspires others to make their dreams a reality too, no matter their age.

“I would like to thank the tattoo artist, Saffi, at Eternal Tattoos and our activities team for helping to organise the trip. This is such a meaningful experience that will, quite literally, stay with Merlyn forever!” 

Merlyn’s tattoo was made possible thanks to the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their dreams forward to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new. From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Liberham Lodge incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.