Hundreds of St Elizabeth Hospice braved the chill of the North Sea, this Easter Sunday, in order to raise vital funds for the hospice as part of its Easter Day Dip.

Returning for the 17th time, the event saw 'dippers' don a range of fancy dress 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 over 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

The event was held on Easter Sunday from 10am opposite Mannings Amusement, on Felixstowe seafront, after adverse weather conditions saw the postponement of its popular Christmas Day Dip in 2021 and Covid-19 restrictions saw the cancellation Christmas Day Dip in 2020. 

Cold comfort for charoty swimmers (Picture credit: St Elizabeth Hospice)

Becky Jedrzejewski, Events and Challenges Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Well done to all our dippers this year for their fantastic efforts!

"As ever the dip was full of fun and a great atmosphere. After not being able to host The Dip in 2020 and with having to postpone on Christmas Day 2021, it was so pleasing to be able to host the event in its traditional format this Easter Sunday.

"We look forward to hosting the Christmas Day Dip later this year, so do look out for updates in the autumn regarding how to register your place."

One of the many 'dippers' taking part in this year's event was Tim Kenny, who was completing the Dip for the third time: "What a brilliant way to start Easter. There was a great atmosphere and it is just lovely to have the Dip back in its physical format once more; and the water was a little bit warmer than it usually is at Christmas!

"It is such a brilliant event and one that supports a fantastic local charity and I look forward to Christmas Day Dip later this year."

Toni braving the elements Felixststowe (Picture credit: Dermot Ryan)

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