During a recent fundraising event organised by local salon owner Naomi McCallum, two brave Portaferry men took on the notoriously painful ritual of having their body hair waxed in front of dozens of giggling locals, all in aid of React.

In what was originally going to be a small-scale charity fundraiser at Naomi’s salon, Eden Beauty, word of this event quickly spread throughout Portaferry and a nearby pub, the Lep Bar, offered the use of its function room whilst providing a buffet to accommodate the unexpected demand from locals all keen to witness the event. Nearby businesses came forward to donate prizes for a charity raffle held on the night.

The waxees in question, Matthew and Paul, endured an excruciating evening as they sacrificed hair from their back, legs, chest and even their underarms, offering guests their own chance to pull off a strip of wax in exchange for a £2 charity donation.

The wince-inducing event raised an impressive £1,308, and will go towards our work assisting children in Northern Ireland.

Naomi said: “It was an amazing night and I can’t thank everyone enough for donating money, giving raffle prizes, buying raffle tickets and for coming to the event. Most of all, thank you Matthew and Paul, now the most hairless men in town! The donations will help children living with terminal illness to live the best life they can, with the equipment they need.”