Chichester care home resident gets first tattoo for 90th birthday

A resident at a care home in Chichester has ticked an ink-redible item off his bucket list. 

Ken Hennessey, who lives at Care UK’s Chichester Grange, on Grosvenor Road in Donnington, finally saw his wish of getting a tattoo come true.

As his 90^th birthday approached, Ken decided to take the leap and commemorate his milestone by going under the needle himself. 

After mentioning how much he’d love to get inked, the home’s care home team found a local tattoo parlour and booked an appointment for Ken and his family to visit. 

After serving in the Royal Navy for two years as a Mechanic Engineer 1^st Class, Ken wanted to find a design that represented his years of service. 

Ken collaborated with the tattoo artist to create the design for his new body ink, and immediately felt proud to memorialise his dedication to the Royal Navy. 

Though initially nervous, Ken bravely sat in the tattooist’s chair, ready to see his design come to life. Instead of the expected pain, he found that it didn’t hurt at all – finding the experience quite relaxing!

Commenting on the end result, Ken said: “I am really pleased I finally got the tattoo. It means a lot to me, and I feel proud to wear it on my arm everyday.”

Nikki Burke, Home Manager at Chichester Grange, said: “When Ken told us about his wish to get a tattoo, it was a real surprise and something we didn’t expect! We couldn’t wait to start organising it for his birthday. 

“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 Ken inspires others to make their dreams a reality too, no matter their age.

“I would like to thank our activities team for helping to organise the trip. This is such a meaningful experience that will, quite literally, stay with Ken forever!” 

Ken’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 live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Chichester Grange offers residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, with luxury facilities including a cinema, hair and beauty salon, pub and stunning gardens. It achieved ‘care home design of the year’ at the Leaders in Care Awards 2022.