Walsall dad gets second tattoo in solidarity with daughter
A father has shown his support for his young daughter by getting a second tattoo inked on his head.
Gareth Hickenbottom-Marriot’s daughter, Briar, has a rare condition which affects her growth.
And this has meant she has repeatedly been treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital since birth.
The 10-year-old from Walsall has Goldenhar syndrome, which has caused issues with her eating, drinking and vision and also contributed towards hydrocephalus – a build-up of fluid on the brain.
To help relieve some of the pressure caused by the build-up of fluid, the youngster had a brain shunt fitted when she was around 18 months old.
This saw a thin tube surgically implanted inside her brain to help drain away excess fluid. While her brain shunt is not visible to other people, it has become part of her.
Her father had a ‘matching’ cochlear implant tattoo on his head in solidarity with his daughter, who was born deaf, in August 2015.
But he got freshly inked last month.
The new tattoo of the brain shunt on the other side of the 42-year-old’s head is another show of paternal support.
Mr Hickenbottom-Marriot said: “Briar didn’t quite know what to make of the tattoo when I first showed her, because obviously her shunt is hidden inside her head.
"I’ve seen lots of people getting tattoos in tribute to their child’s condition, but I don’t know of anyone who has done this.
“I just think it’s important that Briar knows that she’s not alone, and hopefully this will help to do that.”
Mr Guirish Solanki, consultant neurosurgeon at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’ve known Briar for a number of years and her parents, Leanne and Gareth, go above and beyond in supporting their daughter – like so many of our families we care for and support.
“Although Briar’s condition is complex mum and dad are fully knowledgeable and this most recent act of solidarity just illustrates their love and care for her.
"It’s not only a wonderful caring gesture but it helps Briar to understand what her brain shunt looks like and the important role it plays in helping her.”
