THE search is on for fearless fundraises to take the plunge in aid of St Margaret's Hospice Care on New Year's Day.
Supporters are being urged to join a dip in the sea at Minehead beach at 2pm on January 1.
The St Margaret’s team will have hot drinks at the ready for those braving the Jewsons-sponsored challenge.
The early bird entry fee is £9 until December 1, after which entry is £12.
Joanne Taylor (pictured) is taking part in memory of her mum Elaine, who died at St Margaret’s in-patient unit.
She said: "Mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer around 15 years ago.
"She went through different types of treatment including surgery and chemotherapy to try and fight it but sadly on mum’s 58th birthday we were told that her cancer was terminal.
"My Mum could see the toil her condition was having on me and my father and so wanted to go to the hospice when the time came.
“When we got the call to say that my mum was to be admitted, we were so relieved and even then, we were very aware this care was only available due to generous donations from the community.
"The nurses at St Margaret’s were so wonderful, they gave my mum excellent care and supported the whole family.
“The New Year’s Dip popped up on social media and I thought it would be the perfect way to remember my mum so close to the anniversary of her death as well as fulfil my ambition to dip into cold water."
All sponsorship raised will help St Margaret’s continue to care for and support families across Somerset facing a life-limiting illness - £50 of sponsorship could pay for an hour of specialist nursing care for a patient in the hospice’s in-patient unit.
Ellie Weston, St Margaret's marketing and events officer, said: “The New Year’s Day Dip is a brand-new event for us and one we hope will become a much-loved annual tradition in Minehead.
“Not only is this a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, what better way to start 2022 than by raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice Care?
"All our fantastic supporters who brave the cold will receive a St Margaret’s bobble hat, digital certificate and a free hot drink.”
Book your place at www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/new-years-day-dip
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