Olive Hardy chose a beautiful angel wing design created in memory of her beloved husband, Brian, and her cherished grandson, Niall.
Olive had the tattoo alongside her granddaughters, Leanne Laverick and Gemma Donnelly, making the special occasion a family affair and a lasting tribute to two people who meant so much to them.
The couple were married for 75 years, and Olive wanted to honour their life together while remembering Niall, who was cared for by Alice House Hospice during his battle with cancer.
A hospice spokesperson said: “The compassion, comfort and support shown to Niall and the whole family left a lasting impression on Olive. Determined to give something back, she decided to turn her first tattoo into a fundraising challenge for Alice House Hospice. Known for always putting others first, Olive embraced the challenge with her characteristic strength and determination. Having now taken her place in the tattoo chair, she says the experience was made even more special by sharing it with Leanne and Gemma.”
The funds raised through Olive’s challenge will help Alice House Hospice continue providing specialist care and support to local people and families facing life-limiting illness.
Nicola Winwood, In Memory Fundraiser at Alice House Hospice, said:
“Olive is an extraordinary lady whose strength, kindness and determination shine through in everything she does. Seeing her get her very first tattoo at 92, alongside her granddaughters, is such a special tribute to Brian and Niall. We’re incredibly grateful to Olive, Leanne and Gemma for choosing to mark these precious memories while raising vital funds for Alice House Hospice. Every donation made in Olive’s honour will help to sustain local Hospice care.”
Alice House Hospice provides care and support to patients and families affected by life limiting illness, or the death of a loved one in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham.
It costs £3.7m to fund these services for one year – the hospice receives just 34% of this in Government funding, leaving a shortfall of over £6,700 to be raised every single day.
