Echo: Fans to get tattoos with Skrtel

Ninety-six football fans have pledged to get tattoos on the same day to raise cash for Hillsborough families - and a Liverpool FC player will also get in on the act.

The challenge, organised by tattooist Will Holmes at Royal Ink, Anfield, will see dozens of brave fundraisers pack into the Breck Road tattoo studio to be inked.

Among them will be Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel, who will try his hand at tattooing on willing volunteer Barry Nicholls.

Barry, 28, said: "I'll be getting the Eternal Flame tattooed on my back. It will take two days and Martin Skrtel will be doing part of it.

"We're hoping he'll also have a tattoo, but he will definitely be coming down to show his support.

"The idea was thought up by staff at Royal Ink, who put out an appeal on Facebook for volunteers.

"The list filled up extremely quickly and they've now put together a reserve list, in case those who have put their names down don't turn up or hand in their donations on time.

"All the cash we raise will go towards the Hillsborough families and fight for justice. It's something very close to my heart, because members of my family were there on the day.

"But it's not just about football - it was something that shook the whole city.

"Everyone who is taking part will have a tattoo of their own choosing, but they will all be connected to Hillsborough in some way."

Barry, who lives in Anfield and works for Liverpool FC, said organisers are hoping people will stump up cash support ahead of the feat, which takes place on December 16.

He added: "My tattoo is very big, so it will start getting done on December 14.

"Everyone else will be there on December 16. We're also hoping to hold a raffle on the day and are asking for prizes and items we can include.

"Martin will be donating the shirt he will wear at Liverpool's game against Aston Villa on December 15 and some local businesses have already offered prizes.

"Anyone who wants to get involved can put their names down for the reserve list or pop in to the tattoo studio to donate."

For more information, call Royal Ink on 0151 260 6400.

Source: Liverpool Echo