Hundreds of St Elizabeth Hospice supporters braved the North Sea chill this Christmas, to raise vital funds for the hospice as part of its Christmas Day Dip in Felixstowe's chilly North Sea.

Returning for the 19th time, the event saw more than 625 '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 which every year delivers free care to more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Brandon Orton, Events and Challenges Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "A huge well done and thank you to all our brilliant dippers who supported this year's Christmas Day Dip.

"A special thank you must also go to the supporters and volunteers who made the event possible and provided such a fantastically festive atmosphere and thank you to Sam Phillips from Dare to Dip for his great support too. 

"On behalf of the hospice, I would like to wish all our supporters a merry Christmas and 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."

The St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Day Dip 2023 took place on Christmas Day at 10am, opposite Mannings Amusement on Felixstowe seafront. 

One brave dipper who took the plunge for St Elizabeth Hospice was 10-year-old Delilah Reynolds, who said: "I was bit scared before doing the dip, but it was a lot of fun! The water was cold, but it was really fun seeing lots of people wearing their Christmas outfits. I hope today helps everyone the hospice looks after."

Delilah completed the dip alongside her Grandad, David, who added: "I am so pleased Delilah and I were able to do the Christmas Day Dip together for St Elizabeth Hospice, as it is something I've wanted to do for years.

"The morning was a brilliant start to our Christmas Day, full of community spirit and a lovely festive atmosphere. The dip is great way of supporting the hospice's services and I would recommend that everybody should give it a try - if they fancy a challenge!"

Funds raised through the Christmas Day Dip will go 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.

For more information visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star