Photos: New Year’s Day dippers dash into the waves in Broadstairs and Ramsgate

Broadstairs dip Photo Carl Hudson

Hundreds of brrr-ave and bonkers dippers have plunged into the waves at Viking Bay and Ramsgate this morning (January 1).

In Broadstairs everyone from Spiderman to nuns, a Victorian lady and Cruella de Vil rushed into the sea to help raise funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The annual dip is organised by Jill and Ken Connell who ran the town’s Neptune Hall pub for 17 years.

After the plunge swimmers were invited to The Dolphin for some warming curry and live music.

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Broadstairs Photo Frank Leppard

In Ramsgate New Year’s Day dippers met at the Queen’s Head pub on the seafront before dashing into the waves from the main sands.

Photo Malcolm Kirkaldie

The annual event raises cash for Ronald McDonald Houses in memory of baby Joseph Brown. The Queen’s Head pub hosted the event and provides hot soup and rolls afterwards.

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John and Vicki Boyle  started the Dip in 2013 after they lost son Joseph in November 2012.

Walpole Bay Photo Clive Hart

Swimmers at Walpole Bay also took part in a New Year’s Day swim.