Tattoo artist and mental health advocate Tal Booker has completed a 24-hour tattoo-athon in support of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), raising more than £4,000 for the suicide prevention charity’s life-saving services.
Booker, a CALM ambassador, was joined by fellow public figures and ambassadors Shirley Ballas and Amber Gill during the marathon event. Ballas, a “Strictly Come Dancing” judge, received the second tattoo of the day—her brother’s initials, “D.A.R.,” inked on her wrist in memory of David, who died by suicide in 2003.
CALM CEO Simon Gunning received the final tattoo of the event—his first ever—opting for the charity’s logo on his left arm. The tattoo was completed in Booker’s 24th hour of work.
“I’ve wanted a Tal Booker tattoo for as long as I can remember,” Gunning said. “I wasn’t quite banking on him having not slept for a full 24 hours when the day came, but the result is total perfection. This incredible act is more than symbolic—it’s genuinely life-saving.”
The fundraiser, with donations still open via JustGiving and Instagram, supports CALM’s national efforts to combat suicide, which remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. Data indicates one in five people in the UK will experience suicidal thoughts during their lifetime, and someone dies by suicide every 90 minutes.
Booker’s own journey with mental health and loss has shaped his commitment to CALM. He lost his cousin to suicide at age 19 and has personally battled suicidal thoughts. His role as an ambassador has inspired a new initiative—a Tattoo Artist Mental Health Toolkit—to provide guidance and support for tattoo professionals across the country.
“Something I’ve learned since being open about my own mental health is how much strength there is in vulnerability,” Booker said. “When I started sharing my story, I realised I wasn’t alone. The conversations I have with clients remind me of the strength people carry. Those connections—through art, friendship, or even small kindnesses—were the glimmers of hope I needed to keep going.”
He added: “As a CALM ambassador, I want to be a voice for those who feel they’ve lost theirs and help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Together, we can make sure no one has to face their battles alone.”
Related topics: