Get ready for the Tattoo-a-thon

On October 17, tattoo aficionados across SA will help raise funds for children battling cancer as part of the fourth annual Tattoo-a-thon.

In addition to raising some much-needed funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC), participants will once again dispel society’s negative perceptions about people with ink.

The Tattoo-a-thon takes place in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nelspruit, Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg and Bloemfontein, and was established after founder Jordan Gray lost his little friend, Gishmo, to cancer.

Jordan had been financially supporting Gishmo at the CHOC Tygerburg Lodge and was so devastated by his loss that he stopped volunteering at CHOC for two years.

An engagement with a personal development course – coupled with his love of tattoos – motivated him to start the annual Tattoo-a-thon.

Since its inaugural event in 2012, the Tattoo-a-thon has raised over half a million rand.

Germiston-based tattoo parlour Burnt Black will represent the city in the event for the second year running.

Last year Burnt Black managed to raise R6 300 for CHOC and hopes to increase the amount this year.

The team got involved after Brad Pretorius and Alastair Magee both lost their fathers to cancer.

“For us, it isn’t about making a profit, it’s about raising as much money and awareness for this cause as we can,” said Magee.

“What makes this year even more special is that we don’t just have cancer tribute tattoos, but tribute tattoos for other diseases as well.”

The team will be tattooing from 10am to 9pm, and are already fully booked, but the Burnt Black team is offering other ways for people to get involved in raising funds for this worthy cause.

Custom Burnt Black work service boards, that commemorate CHOC Tattoo-A-Thon 2015, will be available for purchase after each tattoo.

Commemorative memorabilia will also be on sale at the shop.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the shop for R20.

“There are two hampers up for grabs, filled with lots of awesome things,” explained Pretorius.

The draw will take place on October 20, so tickets will be available till October 19.

Temporary tattoos will also be sold at R10 each, allowing people who do not want permanent ink and children to be involved.

All the money from these sales will be donated to CHOC.

For more information on the event or to find out how you can donate, call Pretorius on 072 394 6867, Magee on 074 493 4355 or visit the shop at the corner of First Avenue and Webber Road, in Lambton (the studio can be found upstairs).

Alternatively, visit www.tattooathon.co.za.

Other Johannesburg tattoo studios participating in the event are Fallen Heroes Tattoo, Jaded Ink, The Painted Lady, Adams Eden, Kustom Ink Rockstar Studio, Zen Ink Tattoos, Lenz Ink Tattoo and Piercing Studio, Buzz Tattoo Studio, Beneath the Surface, Rising Dragon and Aweh Tattoo.