Antonio Cilento, 32, Blackheath

Why this design?

I chose this design because my grandad lives in Italy, is the head of my family and my hero.

I decided to get the tattoo done this year as my grandad is 95 on the July 5 and lately his health wasn’t too great.

He has lived a full life, serving under Mussolini as captain of war submarines.

He had a newsagent shop back in Italy and worked up to the age of 85. I kind of grew up with my grandad in Italy as my parents were separated and my dad was working abroad, so anything I know and learned came from him.

I have a great amount of respect for my grandad for what he’s done for me.

When I was a lot younger I didn’t really appreciate all this and I guess the tattoo is a reminder of him and all the things he ever told me.

How much did it cost?

£180

Did it hurt?

Not really, imagine a burning sensation.

What did your friends say?

All my friends and family love it, especially my grandmother.

Have you got any more?

I have two more, my initials in Chinese and a dragon on my shoulder.

*Antonio’s tattoo was done at Kids Love Ink, Deptford