Why staff and regulars at a Roker pub are set to get matching tattoos

Staff and customers at a Roker pub are set to go under the needle and get matching ink for a good cause.
The Avenue pub with Gillian Dixon and Sharon Campbell who are set to get matching tattoosThe Avenue pub with Gillian Dixon and Sharon Campbell who are set to get matching tattoos
The Avenue pub with Gillian Dixon and Sharon Campbell who are set to get matching tattoos

The Avenue on Zetland Street is aiming to raise at least £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society with a day of events on Saturday, October 19, before that, seven customers and staff are to be decorated with new tattoos – whether they like it or not.

The fundraising has been organised by bar worker Sharon Campbell and her friend Gillian Dixon, pictured.

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They are two of the seven people who have each agreed to have their inside wrists inked with a forget-me-nots, the flower that serves as the emblem of the Alzheimer’s Society, in return for sponsorship.

Sharon Campbell (right) from The Avenue pub in Roker and her friend Gillian Dixon are among seven people who will be tattooed to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.Sharon Campbell (right) from The Avenue pub in Roker and her friend Gillian Dixon are among seven people who will be tattooed to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.
Sharon Campbell (right) from The Avenue pub in Roker and her friend Gillian Dixon are among seven people who will be tattooed to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Sharon is greeting the prospect with some trepidation, but is willing to make the sacrifice.

She said: “I really don’t want to do it. But within 15 minutes of saying I would do it, six of the lads in the bar had pledged £270. We’re confident of getting a thousand pounds.

“Seven of us have volunteered. Some of us are a bit iffy about it. The Roker Tattoo Studio in North Bridge Street is doing them at a reduced rate as it’s for charity.

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“I’m going to be first. I don’t have any other tattoos. I don’t like them but I’ll get it done. I’ve got to now, although I’m not looking forward to it.

“The lads in the bar have been taunting me about it. But they’re all very giving. We do charity events all year round.

“My dad died 13 years ago from Alzheimer’s. Gillian lost her mam last year to the same thing.”

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