By Leicester Mercury | Posted: 4 August, 2016
A tattoo artist is supporting a local hospice by being sponsored to spend a whole day inking in his pants.
Graham Messenger, who owns Graze Tattoo Studios, in Oadby, plans to fundraise for LOROS by spending a trouser-less day in his studio.
The 55-year-old is set to strip down to his underwear on Saturday August 20 and spend the day fundraising as well as tattooing his customers.
Graham, better known as Gray, is fundraising as part of LOROS Hospice's Undie-Dogs campaign, which was inspired by Gary Lineker's promise to present the first Match of the Day of the forthcoming football season in just his underwear, after the Leicester City underdogs clinched the Premier League title back in May.
"That Gary Lineker has a lot to answer for," said Gray.
"It's a great, fun idea for a campaign so I definitely wanted to get involved. I've supported LOROS in the past, it's an amazing local charity and a great cause".
As well as the likes of Hollyoaks star Charlie Clapham, former snooker player Willie Thorne and former LCFC defender Matt Elliott promising to strip down to their underwear once certain fundraising goals are set, the campaign also calls for the local community to involved.
Gray added: "I imagine we'll get quite a few regulars who'll be popping in to take a look. And hopefully sponsor me while they are here."
Also signed up to the campaign is the Melton Mowbray Rugby Team, who have promised to pose in their pants once the fundraising target reaches £750.
LOROS fundraiser Dave Nicklin said: "It's great to see the Leicester community showing their support for Gary Lineker and fundraising for LOROS at the same time. We'd love to see more local Undie-Dogs get involved."
To show your support for Gray, you can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/grazetattoo
Or to donate to the campaign you can either text 'PANT10' plus your amount to 70070 (e.g. 'PANT10 £10'), online by visiting loros.co.uk/undiedogs, or by ringing (0116) 231 8431 and quoting Undie-Dogs.
To get involved in the campaign email: fundraising@loros.co.uk