Courageous Christmas Day Dippers raise thousands for local hospice
St Elizabeth Hospice’s 12th Christmas Day Dip saw more than 350 fearless supporters charge into the cold North Sea, raising thousands of pounds for the local charity.
The dip, which took place on Friday 25 December at Felixstowe beach, was a great success with hundreds of local hospice supporters braving the sea, with many more people lining the beach watching and cheering them on.
The Christmas Day Dip has become a traditional part of the festivities for many people, beginning the day by joining friends and family on Christmas morning and running into the icy waters at Felixstowe.
As well as being an exhilarating start to the holiday, many people who took part in the dip did so in memory of a loved-one, and to give something back to the hospice where a friend or a relative was cared for.
Judith Hammond, whose ex-husband was cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “This is about the sixth year I’ve done the dip and I love it!
“The hospice is a wonderful place where you can leave your worries at the door, and I know that by doing the Christmas Day Dip, it will benefit others.
“For me the dip starts Christmas! Everyone is freezing and dressed in weird and wonderful clothing and it’s just a great atmosphere!”
St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, Catherine Sheppard, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part this year and raised sponsorship, helping make our twelfth Christmas Day Dip such a success!
“All the money raised will go towards providing vital care and support to local people living with a progressive illness, and their families and carers.
“I would also like to say thank you to the local coastguard for overseeing the event and all the volunteers who gave up their time on Christmas Day to help ensure the dip ran smoothly.”
St Elizabeth Hospice’s Christmas Day Dip could not happen without the help from many local businesses, groups and individuals. Further thanks go to: Chuckles, Mark Bailey’s Photography, One Wish Entertainment, Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service, Woodbridge Medical Services, Felixstowe Forward, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Council, East Suffolk Safety Advisory Group, Sands & Grill Café, Suffolk New College, Tesco Felixstowe, Felixstowe Coastguard Officer, Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Felixstowe Friends Group, Max Raffe, Peter Burt and Mayor of Felixstowe, Doreen Savage for attending the event.
St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity which provides vital services free of charge. The hospice costs millions of pounds a year to run, and relies on fundraising events such as the Christmas Day Dip, donations and the income generated from its shops to meet the majority of these costs.
If you would like to donate to St Elizabeth Hospice this Christmas you can Text XDIP15 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to St Elizabeth Hospice and make a difference today.
