'Tats and tea': Get inked for Alzheimer’s charity event

A FUNDRAISER for the Alzheimer’s Society is taking place in Cork today, where attendees can get tattoos and enjoy cups of tea to show their support.

The event, entitled Tats and Tea, was organised by couple Jenna and Mat Bullard, and will be taking place in Youghal all day today at the Team M Tattoo Studio and Wine Bar from 10am to 10pm.

The event will include live music from Conor Twomey, Ryan Phoenix, and Forced Oblivion, with performances from professional magicians, Steve Spade and Daniel Peace.

There will also be free teas and coffees, as well as refreshments provided by local bakeries on offer.

Attendees aged 18 and over will have the chance to choose from a range of flash tattoos, starting from €30 up to €100, with funds donated directly to the Alzheimer’s Society charity.

All tattoos will be done by resident artist Matt H Gill, who will be joined by two guest artists, Andrew O’Callaghan and Shane Michael James.

A prize raffle will also take place on the day, with tickets for a line starting from €2.

The fundraiser was created as Mat Bullard, aged 51, was diagnosed with vascular dementia earlier this year following health complications.

Bullard’s friends and family wanted to bring awareness to the charity through the eclectic event.

“This fundraiser is to bring people together who have been through, or are going through Alzheimer’s or dementia,” friend of the Bullard family, Rachel O’Connell said.

“It’s also to raise awareness to those who are not familiar with the illness whilst raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. It’ll help to educate people on what this illness does to a family.

“It’s one that’s close to home

“I’ve been a close friend of Jenna’s for awhile,” she added.

The fundraiser will be a drop-in style event, with people of all ages welcome to join.