Photos: New Year’s Day dips in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Walpole

And they are in at Broadstairs! Photo Dean Spinks

Brr-ave dippers have taken the plunge at New Year’s Day swims in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Walpole Bay.

Hundreds donned swimming costumes – and fancy dress – to plunge into the waves to mark the start of 2019.

Broadstairs dip Photo Angela Stevens

The annual Broadstairs dip at Viking Bay raises funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. Traditionally organised by Ken and Jill Connell, the event has been running for almost 20 years.

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This year swimmers were hosted by The Dolphin pub following Jill and Ken’s exit from Neptunes Hall last October. The couple have been raising money for the cause since 2001 when their daughter Lily was affected.

Ramsgate dip Photo Swift Aerial Photography

On Ramsgate main beach swimmers dived in to raise cash for Ronald McDonald Houses and in memory of baby Joseph Brown. The Queen’s Head pub hosts the event and provides hot soup and rolls afterwards.

Joseph’s mum Vicki Boyle said: “This was our seveth and best dip yet! There were about 100 dippers! We started the Dip in 2013 after we lost our darling son Joseph in November 2012.

“He was born very prematurely. We have raised over £25 000 for Ronald Mcdonald House -where families can stay whilst they have children in hospital. We are delighted that his memory will live on in such an amazing way and hope to make each year bigger and better.”

Walpole Dip Photo Amelia Gregory

Walpole Bay swimmers also took to the water at the tidal pool.

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