A TATTOO artist whose wife is being treated for cancer inked 51 people in a marathon session in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

David Bowater, 48, of Slingin’Ink Tattoo Studio, in Marshall Terrace Durham, raised £1,547 during a 15-hour day.

He said: “My wife Jane was diagnosed with breast and lymph node cancer last November. It has been traumatic for the whole family.

“I had been thinking of doing something for a cancer charity for several months. I am raising money that will go towards helping someone else.”

He added: “When something as bad as this disease affects you it gives you a different outlook on life.

“My wife’s treatment is going well at the moment. She is getting chemotherapy at the University Hospital of North Durham. The staff have been brilliant.

“The cancer is shrinking. She has two more treatments and that will be the completion of the eight. I would rather my wife ring the bell (signalling the beginning a life free of cancer) than win the lottery.”

Mr Bowater offered customers the choice of one of three designs for £25.

Tracey Whitelock, who was one of those getting a tattoo, said: “It is a fantastic cause.

I lost my mother to lung cancer two years ago.

"As a family we have done skydives and zip-wired off the Tyne bridge for charity. Every little bit helps.”