People turned out in force to show support for a tattoo day that raised £1,620 for mental health charity Mind.

Cambs Times: Charity tattoo day in aid of Mind at Grey Area, March. Picture: BARRY GIDDINGSCharity tattoo day in aid of Mind at Grey Area, March. Picture: BARRY GIDDINGS (Image: Copyright: Barry Giddings)

Three tattoo artists worked for nine hours at Grey Area in March to give 81 customers a semi colon tattoo, the symbol of support for mental health,

The semi colon tattoo is a growing trend and used when a sentence could come to an end, but instead continues, to symbolise that life doesn’t not have to come to an end.

Stacey O’Hara, manager of Grey Area, said; “Sadly, in this town we have had a few lives gone too soon. Most of us know somebody who suffers with their mental health. It is a really great charity and we wanted to show our support.

“We are really pleased with the amount raised. It seemed to hit a nerve and we saw a lot of people who wouldn’t normally consider begin tattooed coming along to show their support.”

The High Street shop charged £30 with £20 from each tattoo going to MIND.

A Mind spokesman said: “We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.”

The charity, which has been running for more than 60 years, supports more than 400,000 people across England and Wales. Their services includes supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending.