CJ Harrison, 26, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II, has chosen to mark his final stay at Martin House Hospice with a deeply personal tattoo on his calf. Through this meaningful gesture, CJ has already raised £500 in sponsorship.
Having been a regular visitor to Martin House since the age of four, CJ is now transitioning to adult hospice care. Reflecting on his experience, CJ said, “I use my tattoos to commemorate everything that’s important to me, and I’ve always wanted to fundraise for Martin House. When I had the idea of getting this tattoo, I thought, ‘this is how I can raise money’.”
Describing Martin House as a “second home and a second family,” CJ’s tattoo honors the 22 years of special memories he has accumulated there. The design includes Martin House’s mascot, Marty Bear, and other symbols representing staff, an easel with a drawing of the hospice, music, and animals. Each element holds significant meaning for CJ. For instance, he mentioned, “Even if something in the tattoo looks completely random, it’s linked to a memory or a specific person. For example, I’ve included Zak the dog, who used to visit Martin House because I have very fond memories of him.”
In addition to the funds raised, tattoo artist Maddy Allingham from Brothers Grimm Tattoo in Halifax generously donated her time, allowing CJ to contribute the cost of the tattoo to his fundraising efforts.
Martin House Hospice provides specialized care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions across West, North, and East Yorkshire, supporting them from birth up to age 25. As CJ prepares to move on from Martin House, he acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the transition. “I’ve always been very aware of the extra risks I have, and the fact that I’m probably not going to live as long as the people around me,” CJ shared. “I always imagined being able to come to Martin House for as long as my life is, but medical advancements mean we live longer now. So it’s a bittersweet thing that I don’t get to go to Martin House forever, because I get to live longer.”
CJ takes comfort in knowing that his departure allows another young person to benefit from the same care and support that he cherished. “The way I’m seeing it is that me not going means somebody else can, and that means they get to have all of the joy that I got to have, and all the love and support from Martin House that they need.”
To support CJ’s fundraiser, visit CJ Harrison’s JustGiving page and learn more about Martin House at www.martinhouse.org.uk.