Not all heroes wear capes… some wear Speedos.

Simon Harris took on an epic 5km swim as he completed circuits around Brighton Palace Pier.

The father-of-two from Shoreham took on the gruelling challenge in the balmy sunshine and calm seas on Saturday, where he was waved on and cheered by visitors.

He previously completed a charity swim in 2015, but suffered the indignity of having his clothes stolen from the beach.

The story went viral thanks to a report in The Argus at the time, but this time he was well supported by his family on the shore.

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He has also been a member of the Brighton Sea Swimmers Club for the past two and a half years, so this time he had somewhere he could get changed without the risk of losing his clothes.

Simon was raising money and awareness for his pal Dan Fernihough, whose son Karl, four, has cerebral palsy.

Karl struggles to breath as the condition affects his oxygen intake, so his parents are hoping to get stem cell treatment in the USA to make his life better.

Dan said his wife had a normal pregnancy, but Karl suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen at birth.

Dan said: “There is no magic cure, but treatment would see improvements in his muscle tone, his learning, his visual tracking and his speech.

“Perhaps to the NHS these aren’t big enough to condone the high cost, but to a parent even the small things are critical.

“Karl has got potential, and no matter what the outcome will be, we have got to try.”

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The target for the stem cell treatment is £20,000, and the family were out fundraising on the pier while Simon completed the swim.

The pals had met each other as sound technicians in Cambridge, and have worked as stage crew at music festivals together.

Simon had wanted to complete the challenge in golden Speedos and a golden hat, but sadly the trunks did not arrive in time.

He said: “It went really well, it took me about two and a half hours. We collected lots of money for the charity, and our tins were all full.

“The conditions were perfect, although after about three laps around the cold did start to get to me.

“People were waving and cheering on the pier, they were very supportive and encouraging, and that really helped keep me going.

To find out more or to donate to help Karl, visit www.gofundme.com/improving-karls-life.