21st Century Tattoo raises over £8,000 for Manchester victims with bee tattoos

Bee tattoo by 21st Century Tattoo

21st Century Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Rochdale has raised a staggering £8,050 for the victims and families of the Manchester Arena bombing with 161 bee tattoos.

After an overwhelming first day where artists Justin Welch and Todd Jones tattooed 68 Manchester bees, they decided to have a second fundraising day for the Manchester Tattoo Appeal.

They said: “Due to our busy diaries, the fundraiser has come to an end. We would like to thank everyone who took part. You guys are absolutely amazing, the entire team is just speechless at the amount of support and generosity everyone has shown. Those who couldn’t be seen but still want to donate can do so online.”

The fundraising appeal was started by Sam Barber, from Stalybridge, shortly after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena left 22 people dead and 120 injured. The appeal, showing solidarity for the victims with a Manchester bee tattoo, has quickly spread nationwide.

Each bee costs £50 and all proceeds will be given to the Manchester Tattoo Appeal for those affected by the Manchester bombing.

The worker bee became a symbol of Manchester following the hard work and ‘hive of activity’ during the Industrial Revolution and represents the city’s innovative and enterprising past.

Bees can be found gracing various surfaces across Manchester from bins, lampposts and bollards to the floor tiles in Manchester Town Hall and in the city’s coat of arms, granted in 1842.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/manchestertattooappeal/