Although tattoos are becoming more popular they are not everyone’s cup of tea, but a group of friends have got together to organise a mass tattoo session, not just to have a new decoration on their skin, but to show their support for a friend and for young people who suffer with epilepsy.

Tattoos are often chosen because of very personal reasons and the purple seahorses which now adorn Laura Pugh’s shoulder tell a very emotional story.

Laura was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 26 and she has had to deal with the impact on her life.

While Laura has had to attend hospital in London for several very serious neurological operations she often came across very young children who were also coming to terms with the condition.

She said there is very little research carried out in this country into epilepsy and whereas other childhood illnesses attract a lot of attention epilepsy is often not talked about and is ignored.

Laura decided to raise £500 through having a tattoo and holding a raffle, as this would be enough to pay for an intense course of counselling support for two young people diagnosed with epilepsy. She was thrilled so many of her friends have also decided to get a purple seahorse tattoo.

She told the Gazette: “I am not from Ross but since moving here and marrying Shane I have made so many friends, there is such a wonderful community spirit and the people are wonderful.”

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