Hundreds of swimmers take Christmas Day North Sea dip

Five women in fancy dress on a beach in Felixstowe
The Christmas Day dip in Felixstowe, Suffolk raised money for St Elizabeth Hospice [St Elizabeth Hospice]

Hundreds of hardy swimmers braved the teeth-chattering temperatures of the North Sea as they took part in fundraising festive swims across Suffolk.

The Christmas Day dippers, including some in fancy dress outfits, dived headfirst into the waters off the coast of Felixstowe and Lowestoft.

Held in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, the 20th anniversary of Felixstowe's swim saw swimmers charge into the sea before heading home to tuck into their turkey.

Everyone Active's Lowestoft swim, meanwhile, celebrated its 45th anniversary, as it once again aimed to raise thousands for local charities.

People in fancy dress taking part in a Christmas Day swim in Lowestoft. Six people are lying down in the water with two in the background standing up
Hundreds of people took part in Christmas Day swims, including in Lowestoft, Suffolk [Matt Stebbings]

Donna Taylor, Everyone Active's general manager at Waterlane Leisure Centre, in Lowestoft, said: "It was fantastic to play our part in this amazing community event, which raises money for brilliant charitable causes as well as getting people of all ages active.

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"There was a lovely, friendly atmosphere generated by the participants and those who came down to support them, and our congratulations go to everyone who took part.”

Christmas Day dippers walking out of the sea in Felixstowe
Organisers said more than 650 people took part in the Felixstowe event [St Elizabeth Hospice]
People walking out of the North Sea at Felixstowe
Those taking part braved chilly North Sea temperatures [St Elizabeth Hospice]

James Fox-Golding, of St Elizabeth Hospice, based in Ipswich, said: "A massive well done and thank you to all our incredible dippers who take part in this year's Christmas Day Dip – which saw a record number of dippers braving the chill for the hospice."

Four people dressed in penguin outfits on Felixstowe beach, with a person in a Father Christmas outfit in the middle
Penguin costumes combined with tinsel were also on display [St Elizabeth Hospice]
Volunteers gathered on Felixstowe seafront
Volunteers ensured the event in Felixstowe could go ahead, with a record turn out this year [St Elizabeth Hospice]

Elsewhere in the county, Southwold also hosted a Christmas Day swim, with all participants receiving a medal.

Since 2012, the event has raised more than £38,000 for local charities.

People lining the Felixstowe shoreline before entering the North Sea
People packed on to Felixstowe beach to take part [Alison Root/BBC]

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