Grandmother gets her first ever tattoo aged 98 in ink tribute to her grandson after he took his own life

A 98-year-old grandmother got her first tattoo in tribute to her grandson who took his own life.

Winifred Pinner, from Birmingham, wanted to raise money for mental health charity Mind, after her grandson Jamie, 34, took his own life in September last year.

The father-of-one had been suffering from depression for more than a decade and often spoke to his family about his mental health condition.

Winifred, also known as Nanny Win, told the BBC: “On New Year’s Day I was sitting here thinking about him and it was like he was laughing at me and joking.”

‘I said ‘Yes, I’m going to get your name tattooed’ and I could see him laughing at me.

Are you older than Winifred and had your first tattoo? Email: gina.kalsi@mailonline.co.uk

‘Silly old nanny,’ she said, and that’s how it all started, and lovely people have already donated and I’m very grateful for that.’

Her granddaughter, Gemma, who has been a tattoo artist for over 10 years, worked on the design and tattooed Winifred on February 18.

The tattoo features a black heart with Jamie’s initial inside along with a smaller red love heart.

Speaking about getting her first tattoo, the gran said the feeling was “amazing” and added: “It’s so much better than I thought it would be.”

‘It’s a comfort to know that Gemma is doing it. I would feel a little strange with someone else.

Speaking about mental health, he added: “Don’t be ashamed to ask for help, [It’s] Out there, be brave and talk to someone.

Gemma said: “Being my own grandmother makes it even more stressful.”

“However, I’ve been tattooing for 10 years and I’m sure I’ll be able to produce something she’ll be happy with.”

“It’s special that it’s for my brother and it’s a tribute to him and it feels very special that it’s in the family and she doesn’t have to go somewhere else to get the tattoo.”

The mind fundraising has raised more than £1,500 and Winifred thanked everyone who donated.

For confidential support, call Samaritans toll-free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org