A man has made a remarkable journey of over 4,500 miles (7,200 km) from Colorado, USA, to honour his roots with a tattoo celebrating his hometown of Coventry, England. Mark Rushworth, who relocated to the United States in 2007, returned to the West Midlands specifically to pay tribute to Coventry and its beloved football club.
On this visit, Rushworth contacted Red Riz, a tattoo artist based in Walsgrave, to create a design that featured the iconic three spires and the city’s coat of arms. He expressed his admiration for Riz’s work, stating, “Love her personality, loved her sense of humour and that was what really drew me to reach out to her.”
Rushworth explored various design options, including references to the Locarno dance hall, where his parents met, alongside other significant cultural markers from Coventry. He noted that seeing Riz’s designs earlier in the year was what truly inspired him to move forward with the tattoo.
Reflecting on how much Coventry has changed since his departure, Rushworth highlighted the Coventry Music Museum as a positive addition to the city’s cultural landscape. “I miss the city, I miss the history – I’m a huge history buff,” he remarked. He fondly recalled his love for exploring the old cathedral and walking around Bayley Lane.
Rushworth also shared his nostalgia for Coventry’s vibrant pub culture and praised the city’s diverse culinary scene, particularly its renowned curry houses. “It’s my city, and I love it,” he stated, encapsulating the deep connection he maintains with his hometown despite living thousands of miles away.
This trip not only fulfilled a personal dream for Rushworth but also serves as a testament to the enduring bond many expatriates feel for their roots. His story highlights the significance of cultural identity and the lengths to which individuals will go to celebrate it.
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