About Us
I grew up in a small mining village in South Wales, where life was often tough and full of challenges. From a young age I faced bullying, learning difficulties, and a home life marked by arguments, alcohol, and uncertainty.
Those experiences shaped me deeply, and for years I carried the weight of loneliness, anger, and a feeling of never being good enough.
Rugby and bodybuilding gave me an outlet, but alongside this came steroids, substance misuse, and run-ins with the police. I was locked up more than twenty times, battled depression, and even attempted to take my own life.
For a long time, I believed I was trapped by my past.
But through those struggles, I found a turning point. I realised I wanted change, not just for myself, but for others like me. Today, I use my experiences to mentor and support people in prison, schools and the wider community, helping them believe in second chances.
That journey became the foundation of Tattoos and Tears.
Our Mission
To break the cycle of pain, stigma, and lost potential.
At Tattoos and Tears, we provide mentoring, support, and opportunities for people who have experienced adversity, addiction, crime, or mental health struggles. We believe that every person, no matter their past, deserves the chance to rebuild, to be heard, and to find purpose.
Our Vision
We envision a world where past mistakes don’t define future opportunities.
Through lived experience, compassion, and community, Tattoos and Tears seeks to inspire hope and resilience. We aim to create spaces where people can heal, grow, and thrive, proving that even from the toughest beginnings, change is possible and futures can be rewritten.
Our Ambassadors
"I realised then that this wasn’t the life I wanted. Not anymore. I didn’t want to be defined by my mistakes. I didn’t want to keep living in survival mode. I wanted to build something better..."
Lee Blower - Founder, Tattoos and Tears
