Independent Suffolk charity St Elizabeth Hospice's Christmas Day Dip 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing global pandemic but alternative festive fundraising plans will be announced soon.

Due to take place on Christmas Day the event, which has been held for more than 15 years, usually sees hundreds of swimmers don festive outfits before plunging into the icy cold North Sea at Felixstowe beach.

However, due to concerns for public safety during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and in line with government guidance concerning social distancing, the Suffolk charity has taken the difficult decision to

cancel this year's much-loved Christmas fundraising tradition.

Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, explained: "The Christmas Day Dip is a well-loved event not only for the participants that take part, but for the families that visit to watch, as well as volunteers and staff.

"We know that joining us for the Dip is a tradition for many and are we are aware of the importance of it to everyone which is why we are so sad to share this news

"We had hoped that the restrictions caused by the pandemic may have been improved by now, so that the Dip could go ahead in a slightly different format to normal, but sadly recent news does not give us the confidence that it will be safe to put the event on with only 12 weeks to go.

"We know so many of you will be disappointed that we are not putting on the event but we must stress that the hospice puts a lot of safety provisions in place on the day and we strongly advise against visiting Felixstowe to undertake the Dip on your own."

However, following the success of the Virtual Midnight Walk 2020, the hospice has plans to introduce new, virtual festive fundraising events for supporters to take part in this Christmas. As well as this, the events organising team will also look to host an Easter Day Dip for 2021, where supporters can dress up in Easter themed clothing while enjoying slightly warmer water temperatures.

Further details regarding all alternative fundraising activities will be announced soon.