Two Laois boys have bravely decided on a unique fundraising method for this year's Laois Relay for Life.

Páidí Ryan and Martin Kelly from Emo will shave off their precious mullets for this year's event.

The 10-year-old life-long friends are fourth class students at Emo National School, and are well known locally for their distinctive hairstyles.

Martin Kelly's mother Sheila told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the pair have been 'dedicated mullet wearers' for over two years, but have decided that Relay For Life -Laois is the perfect reason to publicly shave their heads.

Pictured: Ten year old mullet-men Páidí Ryan and Martin Kelly from Emo

The pair will take to the Laois Relay for Life stage at Emo Court on August 16 for the big mullet shave.

Both boys are nervous about the events, but looking forward to raising money for a charity close to their hearts.

"I am a bit nervous, but it is great to have my best friend Martin doing it with me," Páidí Ryan told the Leinster Express.

"Everyone has been very supportive and donated when I told them what Relay for Life is, and why I am cutting off my mullet."

Martin is also nervous, but has said he is glad that thanks to their efforts, more people now know about Relay for life.

"I hope lots of our school friends come on the evening to see us," Martin said.

"Relay for life can be sad for some people, but hopefully our head shave will be a bit of fun on the night," he shared.

Relay For Life Laois is a 24 hour community event where friends, families and the wider Laois community take turns walking a loop on Wellingtonia Avenue in Emo Court in aid of cancer supports.

Pictured: Páidí and Martin

"Relay For Life - Laois is all about celebrating cancer survivors, supporting those facing cancer and remembering loved ones lost to cancer," Ms Kelly explained.

"Over the 24 hour walk-a-thon, a lot of talking, remembering and supporting takes place at the front of the majestic Emo House. Supporting the fight against cancer, by raising money for critical cancer services and research, is one of the targets of Relay For Life – Laois," she said.

"Funds go directly to the Irish Cancer Society and are used in Laois to support volunteer driver services for hospital cancer-related appointments such as chemotherapy, and offering night nurses so patients can spend their final days at home," Ms Kelly shared.

At a national level, Relay for Life also funds vital cancer supports such as enabling cancer nurses to be on hand in the nationwide Daffodil Centres, running a freephone support line, as well as funding pioneering cancer research.

There are 15 Relay for Life events running across the country this year, and they have raised almost €600,000.

"Imagine walking under the rising sun in beautiful Emo Court, side-by-side with survivors who fought and won their personal battle with cancer, offering hope to those facing cancer, or silently remembering friends and family you’ve lost to cancer," Ms Kelly highlighted.

"Relay For Life – Laois is about being part of a community that refuses to let cancer win. However, Relay For Life - Laois isn’t just another fundraiser – it epitomises the bold statement: we care, we remember, we act. 

"It shows cancer survivors and patients, as well as those bereaved by cancer, and their families across Laois that they’re not alone through the collective community effort of walking non-stop for 24 hours.

"The laughter at the support tents, the tears during candle lighting, the shared pride of the community walking the track - all combine into something incredibly powerful. By attending, you will honour someone, support vital services and show that together we are stronger," she finished.

If you would like to sponsor Martin or Páidí in their fundraiser, you can do so here or here. 

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