Hundreds brave North Sea in Felixstowe for Christmas Day dip to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice

Hundreds of people donned festive fancy dress and braved the North Sea on a chilly Christmas Day to raise money for a good cause.

Returning for its 18th year following a two-year hiatus, the Felixstowe Christmas Day dip helped raise funds for people with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Crowds gathered opposite Mannings amusements from 10am on Monday and prepared to take the plunge in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

One dipper who took part was 11-year-old Jamie Baldwin, whose grandfather was cared for by the hospice.

He, alongside his dad, Chris, had been waiting for three years to participate.

Last year's event was postponed until Easter owing to bad weather, while complications from the Covid-19 pandemic forced the organisers to cancel the event in 2020.

Jamie said: said: “I’ve been waiting to do the dip for three years but I’ve had to be patient due to it being postponed last year.

“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 event went straight to the hospice's fund-raising campaign, Be a Star.

This helps the charity look after patients during the festive period.

The total raised is still being calculated, but is estimated to be at least £30,000.

Nicola Whymark, the head of fund-raising at St Elizabeth Hospice, gave a massive well done all the dippers and anyone else who turned up to support the event.

She added: “On behalf of the hospice, I would like to wish all our supporters a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

"Without continued support, we 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.”