David Beckham goes shirtless as his tattoos come to life in moving UNICEF campaign video to stop violence against children
Many of David Beckham's tattoos are tributes to his family.
But in a campaign video for UNICEF, the ex sportsman gets some new ink as animated drawings depicting physiologically and physically violent acts against children come to life on his skin.
The UNICEF ambassador tells the camera: 'Violence against children marks them forever, It's wrong. End it.'
Moving: In a campaign video for UNICEF, David Beckham gets some new ink as animated drawings depicting violent acts against children come to life on his skin
During the new 60-second UNICEF film, scenes of violence against children appear as animated tattoos on Beckham’s body.
While Beckham’s own tattoos were marks chosen to represent happy or important memories, millions of children bear marks they have not chosen: the long-lasting scars of violence and abuse.
The animations in the film depict all too common forms of violence that boys and girls endure in spaces where they should be safe – their homes, schools, online and in their communities.
On a mission: The UNICEF ambassador tells the camera: 'Violence against children marks them forever, It's wrong. End it'
Inked: During the new 60-second UNICEF film, scenes of violence against children appear as animated tattoos on Beckham’s body
The footballer has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over ten years, launching 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015 which saw him make a commitment to helping the world's most vulnerable children.
'When I launched my 7 Fund with UNICEF, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children and to speak out on issues that are having a devastating impact on children's lives,' David explained.
'One of those issues is violence. Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies from violence. Millions more are in danger of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that could destroy their childhoods forever.'
Having his say: The animations in the film depict all too common forms of violence that boys and girls endure in spaces where they should be safe
Close to his heart: The footballer has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over ten years, launching 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015
Doing his bit: While Beckham’s own tattoos were marks chosen to represent happy or important memories, millions of children bear marks they have not chosen
Sharing the video on his Instagram page on Monday, David urged his followers: 'Violence can mark children forever. I've met children with @unicef who have been affected by terrible violence and abuse and seen the long-lasting scars it can leave.'
'I chose the marks on my body but millions of children bear marks they have not chosen. Please share this film to help #ENDviolence #foreverychild. It's wrong. End it. #7fund.'
David's real tattoos are tributes to his family, with some of the star's most notable designs including the word Buster etched onto his neck - a tribute to oldest child Brooklyn, 17.
Family man: 'When I launched my 7 Fund with UNICEF, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children,' David says
The former sportsman also has a childlike stick design on his left palm, inspired by one of his young daughter Harper's drawings.
There are further tributes to his children in the form of the touching quote 'We Love You Daddy,' etched in their handwriting across his ribs.
And he also has the number 99 on his little finger - a reference to Manchester United's glorious treble winning season and the year of his marriage to former Spice Girl Victoria.
For more information visit unicef.org.uk
Speaking out: Sharing the video on his Instagram page on Monday, David urged his followers: 'Violence can mark children forever'
Sending a message: One of the animated tattoos reads: 'violence marks forever'
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