Hospice supporters make a splash at Christmas Day Dip

Hundreds of people celebrated St Elizabeth Hospice’s eleventh Christmas Day Dip, raising thousands of pounds for local Hospice care.

The Dip, which took place on Christmas Day at Felixstowe beach, saw over 400 people take the plunge into the cold North Sea.

Many of those taking part did so in memory of a loved-one, or to give something back to the Hospice where a friend or a relative was cared for.

Others took part with friends and family as an exhilarating way to begin the festivities on Christmas morning.

The Christmas Day Dip first took place eleven years ago in supporter Peter Burt’s back garden, with just seven people taking part. Mr Burt and his family still come along every year and are always some of the first in and last out.

St Elizabeth Hospice’s Events and Challenges Fundraiser, Joanne Rodger, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part this year and raised sponsorship, helping make the 2014 Christmas Day Dip one of the most successful so far.

“The support we’ve received so far is incredible, and with even more sponsorship money due to come in afterwards, we’re hoping this will be one of our most successful Dips ever. Every penny raised will help us continue to improve life for people living with a progressive illness in East Suffolk and South Norfolk.”

The signal for participants to enter the sea was given by Felixstowe Mayor Graham Newman, who also took part in the Dip for the first time. 

You can view an image gallery on our Facebook page. If you know somebody who took part, and would like to show your support, check our St Elizabeth Hospice Giving website to see if they have a fundraising page set up. 



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