Marking 22 years of special memories with a commemorative tattoo

Commemorating a special moment or memory isn’t unusual, but CJ has taken it one step further as he has marked 22 years of memories at Martin House with a special tattoo. 

CJ, 26, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II, got the tattoo on his calf to commemorate all the special memories he has made at Martin House as he transitions into adult hospice care. 

He’s also used the tattoo to raise money for Martin House, and has so far raised around £500. 

CJ said: “I use my tattoos to commemorate everything that’s important to me, and I’ve always wanted to fundraise for Martin House, so when I had the idea of getting this tattoo, I thought ‘this is how I can raise money’. 

“Martin House is really special, I describe it as a second home and a second family, because that’s just how important it’s been to me.” 

The tattoo, on CJ’s leg, commemorates special memories of the 22 years he has regularly visited Martin House, and includes its mascot Marty Bear, members of staff, an easel with a drawing of the hospice, music and animals. 

CJ added: “Even if something in the tattoo looks completely random, it’s linked to a memory or a specific person. For example, I’ve included Zak the dog, who used to visit Martin House because I have very fond memories of him. 

“There’s a sock there, because of a memory of giving my sister rides on my wheelchair up the corridors and wearing holes in them.” 

In addition to the money CJ raised in sponsorship, tattoo artist Maddy from Brothers Grimm Tattoo, Halifax, gave her time free of charge, so CJ could donate the cost to his fundraising total. 

CJ was referred to Martin House as a child, and had regular stays in both our children’s wing, and then Whitby Lodge, our teenage wing. Now he has passed the upper age limit for Martin House, CJ will now receive respite care at an adult hospice near his home. 

CJ said: “I’ve always been very aware of the extra risks I have, and the fact that I’m probably not going to live as long as the people around me. 

“I always imagined being able to come to Martin House for as long as my life is, but medical advancements mean we live longer now. So, it’s a bittersweet thing that I don’t get to go to Martin House forever, because I get to live longer.  

“The way I’m seeing it is that me not going means somebody else can, and that means they get to have all of the joy that I got to have, and all the love and support from Martin House that they need.” 

CJ’s fundraiser is at: CJ Harrison is fundraising for Martin House Hospice for Children and Young People.