Alious
For Melissa White, every glance at her new tattoo brings back memories of her beloved granddad—and a famous Sunderland victory that made it even more special.
The 38-year-old from Houghton-le-Spring had an SAFC badge permanently inked onto her bicep on Monday, December 15, as a heartfelt tribute to her grandfather, Sydney White, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 89 after battling prostate cancer. A lifelong Sunderland supporter, Sydney sadly never lived to see the Black Cats return to the Premier League or renew their rivalry with Newcastle.
Melissa chose the club’s classic badge rather than the modern version, explaining that it reflected the era in which her granddad followed Sunderland with such passion. “My granddad absolutely loved Sunderland,” she said. “I wanted the old-style badge because that’s the one he knew and loved.”
The tattoo goes far beyond football symbolism. Incorporated into the design are deeply personal touches that capture Sydney’s character. One element references his favourite phrase—“my bloody family”—a line he repeated so often it became legendary among relatives. Another nods to his love of whisky, particularly The Famous Grouse, represented by an image of the bird.
Melissa believes her granddad would have enjoyed watching Sunderland’s recent 1–0 victory over Newcastle, pint—or rather, whisky—in hand. “If he was looking down, he’d have loved the game and the result,” she said.
Covering her entire bicep, the tattoo has already earned the seal of approval from Sydney’s widow, Norma, 88, and the rest of the family. “My granddad never had tattoos himself, but I know he would’ve loved this,” Melissa added. “My grandma saw it and said she really liked it.”
Her fiancé Reece, also a devoted Sunderland fan, has been particularly enthusiastic about the tribute. For Melissa, the tattoo is now a permanent reminder of family, football, and a cherished grandfather—one that forever links a personal loss with a proud moment for the Black Cats.
Alious
