A CHARITY appeal to pay for a specially-adapted tricycle for a disabled Blackburn boy is well under way following a tattoo marathon event.

Michelle Egan, 38, who lives in Francis Street, wants to buy the trike for her 13-year-old son Cameron, who suffers from microlissencephaly.

He was born with a very small head, and is blind, and has severe developmental delays.

Michelle lives opposite Tattoo Heaven, in Mill Hill, and tattooists James and Peter offered their services for free to help the fundraising effort.

Friends, family and supporters went to the shop to be inked, and instead of paying James and Peter for their tattoos, the money each design would have cost went towards Cameron’s tricycle.

The novel idea raised £505 for Cameron’s appeal.

Michelle has also come up with a variety of other ideas to raise the cash, including a fun run to take place in May, and a bag pack at the Asda store in Blackburn, which raised £625.

Michelle and her husband Martin say a trike will give him independence and enjoyment and also help to exercise his legs.

Michelle said: “I live across the road from the tattoo shop and I know the guy so he said let’s do a tattoo marathon.

“They’ve done them before for charity. Most people had tattoos to do with blindness — a ribbon, or a blind man or a quote.

“We’ve now raised more than £1,000, and the tricycle costs £3,160, so we’re well on our way. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped.

“They don’t realise what a big difference they’re going to make to Cameron, and we really appreciate it.”