A COWES tattooist raised £1,150 for a good cause by offering free tattoos.

Katie Walmsley, tattooist at Tainted Skin, organised the charity fundraiser in aid of family friend, Ben Rothwell, who has motor neurone disease.

Having had success with previous tattoo fundraisers, Katie, 39, wanted to support another good cause — particularly as it was for someone she knew.

Free tattoos were offered in exchange for donations, as were the cakes and sausage rolls which had been made by Katie's mum, Christine.

Katie's highlight of the weekend was tattooing Sofia; she initially had concerns about consent, but supported by her sister (and numbing cream), Sofia was ecstatic with the end result.

Sister, Maria, and Katie's daughter, Tegan, also helped out over the weekend, making sure everything ran smoothly.

Mia, tattoo apprentice, also helped with tattooing clients — collectively the pair managed to to tattoo more than 40 people.

Katie told the County Press that nobody 'begrudged' making the donations, as it was all for a good cause, and they were getting something back.

She said: "I love the Isle of Wight for the way the community pulls together, people rally around and it really does help."

The money raised was given to Ben's family on Sunday, and will be used to 'spend on what he needs'.

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