A FATHER hopes two raise £2,000 to fund two young footballers' Special Olympics dream by having his chest and back waxed live on Facebook.

Jack Wells, from Southend, who has learning difficulties, and Reece Johnson, from Billericay, have been selected to represent the UK at the Special Olympics 2019 in Abu Dhabi, but need to come up with £2,500 to be able to do so.

Simon Harris, 35, from Hockley, wanted to do what he could to help after becoming acquainted with Jack from regularly visiting soft play centre, Monkey Bizzness, with his children, as Jack worked there.

Simon, who describes himself a silver back gorilla, has a considerable amount of thick black hair on his chest and back.

He has agreed to get his chest waxed professionally if he is sponsored at least £1,000. He will then agree to a back wax for £2,000.

Simon said: "Jack works at Monkey Bizzness and we are regular customers.

"He’s a nice a guy, I know other people that belong to Jack’s football team Soccability which is a local organisation for kids with learning difficulties.

"I’ve spoken to Jack's mum who is really chuffed.

"I don't think I've done anything quite as painful as this but once I’ve had the first couple strips I think it will get easier.

"I have an agreement with my wife that it must grow back by the time we go on holiday, and she's agreed to let me do it - probably to see me in pain!

"I've done quite a few charity bits before like the Katie Hopkins fundraiser which raised £20,000, Grenfell etc. so I'm really looking forward to it."

Gordon Taylor OBE, and the Professional Footballers' Association have already got the boys off to a flying start by raising £750.

He also added: "I should just point out that this won't be just any old bloke getting himself waxed - my proud Jewish ancestry means that I am hairier than the average silverback gorilla, therefore this is going to hurt, big time."

Any cash raised that becomes surplus to what is required when combining funds with Jack and Reece's own fundraising appeal, will be donated to Neptune Children's Ward at Southend Hospital.

If you would to donate to Simon's Wax the Werewolf Challenge, visit www.facebook.com/donate/2190788407858742/ or waxthewerewolf.co.uk.