First Tattoo Is The Missing Ink In 89-Year-Old’s Bucket List

Hilda Parsons’ wish of getting a tattoo was fulfilled at the age of 89 as the carers at Maiden Castle House, a Care South care home, arranged for a tattoo artist to make her persisting dream come true.

She had mentioned to the team at Maiden Castle House, based in Dorchester, that she had the wish of getting a tattoo on her bucket list.

After consulting Hilda’s GP for any potential health risks and ensuring Hilda knew what the process would involve, Beccy, one of the carers at Maiden Castle House, reached out to a local tattoo artist. Nathan from Tattoo Lounge in Weymouth created a design to capture Hilda’s love of bird watching, with Hilda choosing a dainty artwork of birds on a branch.

After a careful risk assessment, Hilda sat patiently whilst her tattoo was taking shape. She now has the tattoo she longed for permanently inked on her forearm.

Hilda said: “There’s not many people my age having their first tattoo. The lovely team at Maiden Castle House did everything to make my wish possible and nothing is ever too much trouble. I’m so pleased with my tattoo.”

Ash Smith, Manager of Maiden Castle House, said: “We work hard to ensure that our activities are person-centred and that we can make dreams come true. We’re pleased to have helped Hilda fulfil her wish. The tattoo looks great and is a permanent reminder of her outgoing nature.”

Hilda’s unusual bucket list request was a hit on social media, with comments like ‘absolutely love this’ and ‘what a legend she is’.

Carol Parsons, a relative, said: “We’re so pleased that mum is still able to tick things off her bucket list. She’s always got a new story to tell us. It’s great to know that in later life, mum is still having lots of new experiences and making happy memories, so thank you to Maiden Castle House for helping to achieve this.”