A dad has shared how he got a unique tattoo on his leg to match his five-year-old daughter’s rare birthmark – in a bid to help her feel more confident.
Isla Bailey, from Shropshire, was born with a giant congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) birthmark covering her back, as well as over 100 moles on her legs, arms and face.
Dad Karl, 33, decided to help her continue to embrace her differences – by getting an identical tattoo of the mark on his leg so they could match.
He had that tattoo – which took 90 minutes – on 12 April and surprised Isla with the reveal.
“When Isla saw the tattoo she was shocked that I now had ‘special spots’ too,” Karl, an admin manager for the NHS, told Jam Press.
“She was very happy and seemed a little emotional.”
Isla, whose twin Ruby does not have a CMN, has embraced her visible differences, but Karl and Isla’s mum, Emma, know she may face difficulties in the future.
Karl said: “Isla is confident and happy in her skin. She is proud of what she refers to as her ‘special spots’ and is happy to show them off and discuss them with her friends and family.
“Her school teachers have commented on how wonderful it is to see her confidence when questioned about them by others.
“[But] I know the difficult journey she may have ahead of her due to the visible difference so wanted to share it with her.
“Isla has a large birthmark on her back and we have counted at least 100 smaller moles on one leg alone. She also has them on both arms, legs and her face.
“I want her to know that she will never be alone.
“Not only that, but special spots are cool – why wouldn’t I want them?”
Karl shared a snap of himself and Isla’s matching marks on Instagram, where friends lauded him for getting the ink.
One person said: “What a inspiring thing to do!”
“Absolutely LOVE this! You wonderful daddy,” another user agreed.
Someone else said: “Such a lovely thing to do.”
Karl added: “It is also an opportunity to raise additional awareness of the condition if people were to query the tattoo, the condition or the symbol.
“The symbol represents the amazing charity Caring Matters Now who support those affected by CMN, raise awareness and funds for research.”
An estimated one in 20,000 people are born with the condition, some of whom may have it on the brain and spine – which can be fatal.
Emma is running the London marathon in October to raise money for the charity.
