Shinfield care home resident becomes studios oldest customer

A Shinfield care home resident got inked, officially making her the tattoo shop’s oldest customer.

Pat Bolland, aged 82, a resident at Care UK’s Parsons Grange on Westall Street, had wanted to add a bumble bee tattoo on her ankle – and so team set about making her wish become a reality. 

On the day, Pat and Parsons Grange team members headed to Inkfusion Tattoo Studio, in Wokingham, for her third tattoo. The design Pat picked was in homage to the victims of the Manchester bombings in 2017, something she felt emotionally affected by. 

Pat said: “I’m very pleased with my tattoo, it didn’t hurt and was only a little tingle.”

Pat’s impressive tattoo collection, which includes a dragon fly and a flower, began over 20 years ago when she first got a tattoo aged 60 to celebrate her birthday. 

Organising the tattoo was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which was launched by Care UK to encourage residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit and activities they’d like to do. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from flying a plane to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small. 

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “When Pat explained that she wanted to get another tattoo, we were excited to arrange this for her and set about making it happen. 

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Having got her first tattoo at 60, it is wonderful that we were able to help her express herself so boldly. Everyone at Parsons Grange admires her tattoos so it’s great to see her add to her collection with something so meaningful. 

“Thank you to Inkfusion Studio for helping us create Pat’s dream tattoo, and for having us at your studio – I’m sure Pat will be back.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home has been designed with residents in mind. The home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities as well as a café, hair salon, bar and a cinema for residents to enjoy.