A grieving St Albans mum has now raised more than £13,000 in memory of her two children, after running a third semicolon tattoo event last Saturday (June 29).

Leanda Kelly spoke movingly to the Herts Ad last month about her drive to raise money in memory of her two children, both of whom sadly took their own lives.

At the beginning of June she raised almost £10,000 with a pair of semicolon tattoo events, and has now taken the total to £13,205 after a third event, added due to popular demand.

More than 142 tattoos were done on SaturdayMore than 142 tattoos were done on Saturday (Image: Leanda Kelly)

On the day, the team at Pure Colours tattoo studio on Hatfield Road helped apply 152 tattoos, taking the total across the three days to 458.

In total 458 tattoos were done across the three days.In total 458 tattoos were done across the three days. (Image: Leanda Kelly)

Leanda told the Herts Ad: ""It was amazing, I didn't realise it was going to go so crazy as it was a tag on day, but it was absolutely buzzing all day.

"It was a sunny day and as soon as doors opened we had a queue. Everybody was in good spirits.

"There were people that have their own issues and had come out for the first time in a long time which makes me very emotional, I'm overwhelmed by the support and being able to honour my children in this way."

Semicolon tattoos are seen as a symbol of hope and are commonplace among survivors of suicide attempts.

Semicolon tattoos are commonplace among survivors of suicide attempts.Semicolon tattoos are commonplace among survivors of suicide attempts. (Image: Leanda Kelly)

Following the success of the events, Leanda has received praise from across the community and requests to use the 'stop and talk' event name for similar events around the country.

Despite this, she says: "It's not about me. I'm just a grieving mum whose trying to channel my grief into doing something that can make a difference."

Steve and Tanya both died aged 44, after long battles with mental illness.

Leanda's own dragonfly semicolon tattoo, in memory of her son Steve.Leanda's own dragonfly semicolon tattoo, in memory of her son Steve. (Image: Leanda Kelly)

Later this year, Leanda will host a music night also in honour of her late children.

Entitled "Dance with a Dragonfly", the event will take place on October 5 and see 10 local DJ's all give up their time for free.

Proceeds from the event go to  mental health charity SANE, Mind in Mid Herts and St Albans Action for Homeless.