Supporters take icy Christmas Day Dip for St Elizabeth Hospice
Hundreds of St Elizabeth Hospice supporters braved the North Sea chill this Christmas, in order to raise vital funds for the hospice as part of its Christmas Day Dip.
Returning for the 18th time, the event saw ‘dippers’ don a range of fancy dress and Christmas themed outfits before plunging into the icy cold sea at Felixstowe beach to raise funds, through sponsorship, for St Elizabeth Hospice. Every year, the hospice delivers free care to over 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
The event was held on Christmas Day from 10am, opposite Mannings Amusements on Felixstowe seafront in its traditional format, after adverse weather conditions saw the postponement of the Christmas Day Dip in 2021 and due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was cancelled in 2020.
Nichola Whymark, Head of Partnership Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Massive well done to all our dippers for their fantastic efforts and to everyone who came out and supported the event. It was brilliant to be able to hold the dip at Felixstowe beach on Christmas Day in its traditional format once more! There was a brilliant atmosphere and such a great range of festive outfits being worn. It really is the perfect way to start your Christmas Day.
“On behalf of the hospice, I would like to wish all our supporters a Happy New Year. Without your continued support, St Elizabeth Hospice would not be able to provide vital services throughout the region and the whole hospice team are so grateful for the amazing community support we receive every year.”
One of the many ‘dippers’ taking part in this year’s event was 11-year-old Jamie Baldwin, who took part in the Christmas Day Dip alongside his dad, Chris. Jamie said: “I’ve been waiting to do the dip for three years but I’ve had to be patient due to Covid and it being postponed last Christmas.
“I wanted to do the dip for the hospice as their nurses supported my grandpa at home before he passed away. It was really exciting taking part; I was a little nervous beforehand, but it was totally worth it, even if it was a little cold!”
Funds raised through the Christmas Day Dip went towards the hospice’s Christmas fundraising campaign, Be a Star, which helps the hospice support hundreds of patients and their families over the Christmas period.
To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice, visit: https://www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk
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