As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s time to start 2024 with a splash! St Margaret’s Hospice Care is delighted to announce the return of the highly anticipated New Year’s Day Dip event, now in its third year. Join us for an invigorating sea dip that promises fun, community spirit, and a meaningful cause.
Taking place on Minehead Beach, this annual tradition, proudly sponsored by Wilkie May & Tuckwood has grown in popularity, attracting hundreds of people eager to plunge into the bracing waters of the Atlantic. The New Year’s Day Dip offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season and kickstart the year with an adventure that’s both breathtaking and heartwarming.
This year, they encourage participants to embrace the festivities further by dusting off their favourite dressing up outfits, adding a playful twist to the experience. Whether it’s a whimsical costume or a quirky ensemble, let your creativity shine as you make a splash for a great cause.
Included with your ticket is a specially designed St Margaret’s bobble hat to keep you warm and a comforting hot drink to enjoy after the dip. The sea dip is scheduled for 10am, ensuring that you can start the 2024 with an unforgettable experience.
While the New Year’s Day Dip is all about having fun and shaking off the slumber of the Christmas period, it’s also an opportunity to make a difference. Your entry fee covers the cost of organising the event, but any sponsorship raised through participation will directly benefit St Margaret’s, ensuring that your neighbours, friends, and family can receive the care they need when it matters most.
This year, their goal is to raise £10,000, a sum that could fund 100 Specialist Community Nurse visits for patients receiving care at home across Somerset. Anna Page, a Community Nurse Specialist at St Margaret’s, and her husband Matt Page, a recipient of care from St Margaret’s after being diagnosed with bowel cancer took part in the New Year’s Day Dip in 2023, and they describe their experience as incredible.
Anna expressed, “We ran in with the crowd, the adrenaline was pumping for us and it certainly took our breath away, but the feeling when you acclimatise to it, well, there is nothing like it. All our senses were alive and pumping. Everyone in the water was shouting support, which was a massive encouragement.”
Matt added, “After completing the dip, I felt amazing! In fact, we both felt great for days after. The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing. Spectators were there cheering everyone on, and it was great to see all the fancy dress and funny things people were wearing. It was such a lovely, friendly vibe on the beach. I’d recommend anyone to take part. The atmosphere is amazing and everyone had great fun doing something for an amazing cause. It’s a beautiful way to start the New Year. “
To be sure you don’t miss your chance to kick off the new year with a splash, book your ticket to the New Year’s Day Dip online now at st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/new-years-day-charity-dip . It costs just £10 for adults and £7 for children so take the time to care and join us for the third annual New Year’s Day Dip in 2024.