‘HAVING A TATTOO LATER IN LIFE IS LIBERATING. I’M EXCITED BY THE PERMANENCE OF IT’

Two years ago my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer and I felt as though my world had been turned upside down. I thought, ‘Sod it. Go on and do the things you want to do because who knows what’s around the corner.’

I wanted a tattoo that reflected my family and also my mum. A star came to mind because it’s twinkling up in the sky and the five points represent my five children.

It’s small, as I wanted something quite discreet that I could cover up if need be, but there’s a lot of emotion in it.

The five points also represent my five decades as I had it done when I turned 50. There’s something about a tattoo that is two fingers up to age and something liberating about doing it later in life. When you’re younger, people always say, ‘Don’t! You might regret it.’ But by the time you’re 50 you know yourself pretty well and I’m excited by the permanence of it.

I didn’t tell my husband for a few days. Then, when I slid my arm across the table, he said, ‘Really?’ but now he quite likes it – though he doesn’t want me to start a collection.

Having said that, they’re very addictive. I might get another one to represent cancer – such as the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon in support of my mum and a friend who is also battling the disease.

Amanda is co-founder of Bundle antenatal and postnatal classes. For more information, visit bundlelondon.com