Hundreds of people are getting the same tattoo in memory of the Manchester attack victims

If you’ve ever been to Manchester you may have noticed bee symbols all over the place – in mosaics, paintings, on clock faces and even on bins. The worker bee represents the city’s work ethic, typified by its huge growth during the Industrial Revolution.

And now many Manchester residents are using the symbol to both raise money for charity and express their solidarity with victims of the recent attack – by getting it tattooed.  

The £50 cost of the tattoos are being donated to charities helping those affected by the attack – and many tattoo artists reported raising thousands of pounds in a single day.

Sorry Mum tattoo shop in Prestwich said they managed to make £11,000, with many queueing for up to 12 hours to get the bee inked on their skin. 

One man who got the tattoo, 46-year-old Mark Casey, told BuzzFeed: "I had it done just for respect really. I don't know anyone who was in it. My cousin was there but she got out just before it went off.

"It's a brilliant idea – I think it's great how Manchester has all pulled together.

"I've got other tattoos but this one means the most, definitely – apart from my City tattoo."

It’s not just in Manchester where people are getting these bees tattooed. People across the country, including in Liverpool, Hull and Bath have all been showing solidarity by getting involved.

It’s one of many initiatives which have been set up to support victims of the Manchester attack. The Manchester Evening News has raised nearly £2million  to support families of those killed and injured in the Manchester Arena attack, and Tom Hardy launched a similar crowdfunding appeal.