A FATHER will have a portrait of his late son tattooed on his chest using ink mixed with the tot’s ashes.

Mark Richmond, aged 39, said the five-inch tattoo would be a lasting tribute to his much-loved son Ayden, who died aged two.

He said: “Some people will think it’s morbid but to me, it’s the perfect way to honour him.

“It will be something special. To me, it’s the ultimate tribute. I miss my son very much.”

Ayden Richmond died in 2005 after being born with a series of health problems, including a rare genetic disorder which prevented him breaking down body fats.

His illness meant he had to be fed from a tube and was unable to talk or walk.

Mr Richmond, a tattooist, will have the portrait done at the studio he and wife Lisa are set to open in Worcester next week.

Mrs Richmond, aged 31, also plans to have the portrait inked onto her arm in the future.

She said: “I’ll do it in memory of him so I feel close to him all the time.

“Some of his ashes are buried in Evesham but I wanted to keep some of them.

“I couldn’t let go I suppose. This is the ultimate. He’ll be with me always.”

Speaking about her planned tattoo, she said: “Some people find it revolting and some people are amazed by it.”

Mrs Richmond, from Evesham but now living in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, said the couple, who have three other children, were initially told Ayden’s illness was so rare there was no name for it.

She said: “The doctors said he wouldn’t make it to three.

“He was the first child to die at Acorns Children’s Hospice and they have a stone in memory of him in their garden.

“I believe he’s in a better place. I always say there’s a heaven and he’s playing in God’s playground.”

Mr Richmond will be filmed having the portrait done at the studio next Wednesday for a documentary.

The Gods of Ink II studio will open at 54-56 Barbourne Road, Worcester, on Saturday, November 7.

An open day is being held tomorrow, when Worcester City footballers Louis Bridges and Jordan Fitzpatrick will be tattooed.