St Elizabeth Hospice is encouraging Felixstowe dippers to take the plunge for the independent Suffolk charity this Christmas, with the return of its popular Christmas Day Dip for 2021.

After restrictions surrounding Covid-19 saw the cancellation of the annual hospice Christmas Day Dip in 2020, the charity has announced the event will be returning to the seafront at Felixstowe once again this Christmas.

Returning for the 17th time, the event will see hundreds of 'dippers' don festive outfits before plunging into the icy cold North Sea at Felixstowe beach to raise vital funds, through sponsorship, for St Elizabeth Hospice which every year delivers free care to over 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Becky Jedrzejewski, Events and Challenges Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "We are thrilled to announce the return of our Christmas Day Dip for 2021. After not being able to host The Dip in 2020, we can't wait to welcome back our supporters as they the plunge for the hospice this Christmas.

"The Christmas Day Dip is always such a popular event full of festive fun and atmosphere and it is the perfect way to start your Christmas morning, all while supporting the hospice.

"With early bird tickets now available there is no better time to register and start encouraging friends and family to sponsor you. Every pound raised really will make a difference to our staff as they care for patients and their families throughout the local community during very difficult times in their lives."

The St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Day Dip 2021 will take place on Christmas Day at 10am, opposite Mannings Amusement on Felixstowe seafront. There will be no on the day registration this year so supporters will need to pre-register for the challenge.

Standard registration is £13.00 starting from 1 December through to midday on 23rd December, but early bird tickets for £9 are available until 30 November. Each ticket price includes a medal.

To register for tickets visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ChristmasDayDip.

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.

More information can be found by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/event/christmas-day-dip-2021/ and highlights from the Christmas Day Dip 2019, can be viewed at the hospice's YouTube channel.