A heartwarming story of love and support unfolds as Matt Shanley, 47, is left in tears by a surprise tattoo from his son, Harry. In a true display of solidarity, Harry, 18, had his own neck tattooed with a replica of Matt’s brain tumour scan, commemorating the third anniversary of his life-saving surgery.
The tattoo, costing £70, holds deep meaning for both father and son. It serves as a permanent reminder of the challenging journey they’ve faced and raises awareness for Brain Tumour Research. Matt was deeply touched by the unexpected gesture and couldn’t help but embrace his son lovingly.
Reflecting on the significance of the tattoo, Matt shared, “If my brain tumour gets the better of me, he will have something there to explain to his children, if he has any, about their granddad.” This beautiful act of support signifies the strength of their bond and the power of love within a family.
Not only does Harry’s tattoo embody their personal story, but it has also inspired Matt’s wife, Julie, and their two children, Elissa and Georgina, to consider getting similar tattoos. It’s a way of commemorating the life-saving procedure and standing united as a family.
Despite the challenges Matt faces, including impaired sight, fatigue, memory problems, and seizures resulting from the surgery, his journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. While the tattoo reminds him of the difficult times, it also symbolizes hope and the new lease on life that he has been given.
Harry, the creative mind behind the tattoo, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It’s exactly what I wanted.” Initially, he had suggested a cartoon brain image, but the talented tattoo artist exceeded his expectations. The final design incorporated his father’s brain scans, with a delicate blue rose growing out of the area where the tumour once resided. The beautiful imagery represents light and growth budding from a previously dark and challenging experience.
The tattoo took 45 minutes to complete, after which Harry rushed to his grandmother’s home to surprise his emotional father. Many people have inquired about the tattoo, providing Harry with an opportunity to raise awareness about brain tumours. Through sharing his journey, he aims to educate others about the profound effects that a single surgery can have on someone’s life.
This heartwarming story of a son’s dedication and support serves as a reminder that love and family can provide strength during life’s most challenging moments. Harry’s meaningful tattoo stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a father and son.
