A FATHER left to head home half naked after his clothes were stolen during a charity swim is prepared for another challenge in his new “shiny gold Speedos”.

Simon Harris has decided to swim round Brighton Palace Pier a second time for a cause close to his heart.

He will swim the circuit five times, which works out at about 5km, tomorrow or Sunday, depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Simon said he felt prepared despite his last experience in 2015 when thieves stole his clothes from the beach while he was

swimming to raise money for those struggling in war-torn countries.

Simon 39, from Portslade said: “I am so ready to take on the challenge on Saturday with my new shiny gold Speedos.

“I won’t be taking any valuables with me this time.

“If someone really wants my clothes this time then be my guest. I will at least be wearing my new gold Speedos so they will be safe.”

Simon has ordered the gold trunks specially for the occasion and will also have a matching gold cap.

He said he was not too worried about thieves striking again because he will have spectators on the shore.

He said: “All my family are coming down to watch, including my three-month-old, Daisy.”

The father of two will be swimming to raise funds for his friend Dan Fernihough’s son

Karl, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Karl, four, was born with a mucus in his lungs which resulted in his airways being blocked and his brain being starved of oxygen.

Mr Harris said Karl’s case was particularly close to his heart because his own son Byrn, now three, struggled with the same breathing conditions as a newborn.

Mr Harris said: “My son was born fighting for oxygen, but luckily the nurses at Princess Royal in Haywards Heath managed to clear it all just in time.

“Karl wasn’t so lucky and I want to support his parents in their efforts to find private care to improve his condition.

“They have raised £6,000 of their £20,000 target and I want to do my bit to help them.”

“I reckon if Byrn didn’t have the amazing treatment from the nurses, 30 seconds later he would probably have been in exactly the same position as Karl.”

Simon will be swimming at midday and has organised for people to stand near the pier with collection buckets to collect money on behalf of Karl, who will also be watching the charity swim with his father.

Simon said: “I always think with charity events it’s good to do something light-hearted and make people laugh.

“And in all honesty I

have always liked the idea of gold pants.”