Join the St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Day Dip!
Places are now up for grabs on a local charity’s annual Christmas Day Dip.
The icy plunge into the cold North Sea, organised by and in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, will take place on Felixstowe sea front at 10am on Christmas morning.
Natalie Hill, events and challenges fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “This will be our 15th Christmas Day Dip and it’s gathering quite a following. We now have around 500 people take part each year who see this as the start of their festivities on the day. Their friends and family all come along to watch and there’s a fantastic atmosphere as everyone gathers to run in to the sea.”
“The hospice itself is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, so it’s important that we fundraise 365 days a year too in order to offer our services to local people. While those raising money will be dashing in to the bracing waters, there will be patients in the hospice, receiving the care they need, thanks to their support.”
To help us launch the event, Mayor of Felixstowe Councillor Graham Newman braved the North Sea for photographs and told us that he is planning to take part again this year. “I took part in the dip a few years ago and really enjoyed it, this year I’d really like to lead the charge and be the first in – I’m sure people will give generously to see me take an icy bath!”
The event is short and ends following a countdown and dip in to the sea. As they emerge from the water, all participants will receive a medal as a keepsake to remember the day before returning to the warm to enjoy their Christmas turkey.
Tickets to take part in the event cost £13 per person, however, those that purchase their place before 16 November will receive £5 off. You can secure your place on the Christmas Day Dip online.
This year’s event is kindly supported by our sponsor David Button Independent Funeral Directors.