Instead of a party, two nine-year-old boys have chosen to take on a charity obstacle course for their birthdays.

Friends Ryley Bahara and Rhôme Pearce, from Sittingbourne, selflessly decided they didn’t want to do anything for themselves to mark their tenth birthdays this summer, they wanted to do something for others.

The South Avenue Primary School pupils are gearing up to take part in the Maidstone Pretty Muddy Kids event in July to raise money for Cancer Research.

They’ve also asked their mums to donate the cost of a party to the charity and have said they’ll donate some of their birthday money to the cause.

Ryley’s mum, Shelley, said she was extremely proud of the boys.

The 31-year-old said: “I don’t think they actually realise how much of a good thing they are doing.

“When I first asked Ryley what he wanted to do for his birthday, he said he had everything he wanted and asked if we could help other people.

"I don’t think they actually realise how much of a good thing they are doing."

“We had a look on the internet and found this event for children. Rhôme said he wanted to do it as well, so they’re doing it as a team.”

She added: “We chose Cancer Research because it’s a charity close to our hearts and, as their parents, we are really proud of them both.”

Shelley set up a fundraising page for the boys at the end of January and they’ve so far raised £670 of their £3,000 target.

“Every time they see the donations going up they get so excited,” she said. “They’re excited about the event too. They chose it because they thought it would be a fun thing for them to do together.”

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