A man who mixed his Dad’s ashes into the ink used for his tattoo says his late father is now “with me all the time”. 

Many people like to scatter their loved one's ashes somewhere that was meaningful to them. 

Gerry and his family did exactly that - scattering his Dad’s ashes in Austria where he liked to go hiking. 

However, Gerry decided he also wanted to commemorate his Dad’s life in another, more unique way. 

“I also got a tattoo with his ashes in the ink of his name in old Irish writing,” he told Lunchtime Live. 

“I put it into my left arm close to my chest, close to my heart and he’s with me all the time. 

“There’s a physical connection with him and it makes me feel good.” 

'Under my skin'

Gerry got the idea from watching America TV and recommends it to those who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. 

“It’s a really good idea - particularly for people who are bereaved and they’re mourning,” he said. 

“They get great solace and they, I suppose, get great happiness from the closure and a physical connection.” 

The tattoo was Gerry’s first and is located on the inside of his arm. 

“So, he’s in my skin, under my skin and, perhaps if you like, gives me a dig every now and again to make sure I’m okay,” he said. 

“He’s close to me and he’s next me.”

Gerry’s mother passed away last year and next week he plans on getting a Celtic knot to remember her. 

In life, his parents were not tattoo fans but their descendents certainly are. 

“All my nephews and nieces, they all have them [tattoos] now,” Gerry said.  

Main image: Smiling man getting tattooed. Picture by: Alamy.com