A local tattoo artist is turning body art into a powerful fundraising tool to support a beloved community sanctuary for birds of prey.
Harry Morgan, 23, who operates under the name Lucky H Tattooist, has launched a charitable initiative to raise money for the Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary by offering specially designed owl-themed tattoos. All proceeds from the tattoos are being donated directly to the sanctuary.
Morgan, who has been tattooing professionally for three years, has created at least seven original designs featuring owls and other birds of prey.
Giving Back to a Childhood Haven
The inspiration behind the project, Morgan says, comes from his own childhood experiences.
“I used to go there when I was a kid,” he said. “My house growing up was just a ten-minute walk from the sanctuary, so I’ve always felt connected to it. I’ve wanted to give back for a while, and just as I was putting the idea together, that’s when the vandalism happened.”
A Sanctuary in Need
The Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary, located in Festival Park, relies entirely on public donations and the personal funds of its elderly caretakers, Pat and Malcolm Jones. The sanctuary has recently faced a string of troubling incidents.
Last month, Gwent Police confirmed three separate acts of vandalism at the sanctuary, including one incident in which the public toilets were completely destroyed. The damage placed additional strain on the already limited resources of the facility.
Community Response Takes Flight
In the wake of the attacks, the local community has rallied around the sanctuary. Morgan’s “Owl Ink” campaign has helped channel public support into action—one tattoo at a time.
Among the designs being chosen by supporters is a striking barn owl, a nod to one of the sanctuary’s most iconic residents.
As word spreads, donations and tattoo bookings continue to soar—showing that sometimes, meaningful change begins with a little ink and a lot of heart.
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