On Thursday, the Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio on St Margaret’s Street in Ipswich saw a long queue outside its doors as it offered free tattoos of baby feet in support of baby loss awareness. The event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., was organized by studio owners Paul Stansby and Jamie Hart to help those who have lost babies heal and raise awareness for others who have experienced similar loss.
Among those waiting in line was Samuel Skinner, 29, from Ipswich, who shared his personal connection to the cause.
“My partner and I lost our boy earlier this year, and it was incredibly painful for both of us. So, seeing this tattoo shop doing something to raise awareness and remind us that we’re not alone in our pain means a lot,” Skinner said.
Another parent, Josie Green, appreciated the opportunity to memorialize her lost child. “It was nice to get this little feet tattoo,” she said. “It’s a meaningful way to remember the child we lost.”
By noon, the team at Lucky 13 had already inked 100 tattoos, despite the weather, and were thrilled with the turnout.
“People aren’t afraid of the cold or the rain,” Mr. Hart commented. “We’re happy that everyone is pleased with their tattoos, and it’s amazing to see so many people show up.”
In addition to the tattoos, Lucky 13 offered customers candles to participate in Ipswich Borough Council’s initiative to light candles at the town hall in honor of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
This marks the second year that Lucky 13 has hosted this event. Last year, the studio inked 237 tattoos over a 13-and-a-half-hour day. While the line this year wasn’t as long, Mr. Hart noted that the slower pace gave the artists time to rest and eat. Nevertheless, with the number of tattoos already completed, he is hopeful they will surpass last year’s total.
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