Hundreds of swimmers swapped opening presents for a paddle in the Felixstowe sea as the traditional Christmas Day Dip in the town returned this morning.
St Elizabeth Hospice's annual fundraiser saw people dressed as a range of festive characters take the plunge outside Mannings Amusements.
The event was cancelled last year due to choppy conditions in the water and after orgainsers received safety advice from Felixstowe Volunteer Coastal Patrol.
But the 18th edition of the swim went ahead as planned, with participants meeting for the event at 8.30am.
The dip is one of the biggest fundraisers for St Elizabeth Hospice, which is based in Foxhall Road in Ipswich, and cares for people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses.
Organisers estimated more than 500 people took part this year.
First-time swimmer Abby Muhs-Brown, 38, took part with her husband Tom and plans to make the annual dip something of a Christmas tradition in her family.
She said: "I had been really nervous with all the icy weather we have had recently, but it was really fun.
"I've met some amazing people and the hospice is so important to the community. It's our way of supporting them.
"We're hoping to make it a Christmas tradition in our household. I'm going to go and enjoy my Christmas dinner now."
Another dipper was 11-year-old Jamie Baldwin, who took part with his dad Chris.
Jamie said: “I’ve been waiting to do the Dip for three years but I’ve had to be patient due to Covid and it being postponed last Christmas.
“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."
Nichola Whymark, head of partnership fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “A massive well done to all our dippers for their fantastic efforts and to everyone who came out and supported this morning.
“It was brilliant to be able to hold the dip on Felixstowe beach, on Christmas day in its traditional format once more.
"There was a brilliant atmosphere and such a great range of festive outfits being worn, it really is the perfect way to start your Christmas day.
“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.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here