Eighties icon Kim Wilde, Stormtroopers, superheroes, Victorian gents and even a banana were among the bumper crowd of dippers rushing into the waves today (January 1).
In Ramsgate a huge crowd braved the waves in memory of baby Joseph Brown and to raise funds for Ronald McDonald Houses, including singer and presenter Kim Wilde.
The Kids in America star, who set out on a Greatest Hits tour in September last year, delighted fans by posting a photo of her dip to twitter.
Diving into 2023 in Ramsgate! Happy & Healthy New Year everyone 🙏💋 pic.twitter.com/rIWtG2TiAO
— Kim Wilde (@kimwilde) January 1, 2023
The Ronald McDonald house enables families with babies or children in hospital to stay at the house free of charge for as long as they need.
John Brown and Vicki Boyle started the Dip in 2013 after they lost son Joseph in November 2012. Joseph arrived 14 weeks early on 27th September 2012 weighing only 1lb 11oz. They are supported each year by the Queen’s Head pub.
Swimmers in an array of brr-illiant outfits met at the Queen’s Head pub in Harbour Parade ready for the dip from the main sands at noon
Hot soup and music from Two’s Company were dished up at the pub afterwards
Collection pots were on the bar to raise even more money for Ronald McDonald House Charities United Kingdom
So far almost ÂŁ2000 has been raised.
Find video of the Ramsgate dip on the Queen’s Head facebook page here
At Broadstairs crowds turned out for the New Year’s Day dip in aid of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
Jill and Kenny Connell have been organising the event for more than 20 years.
Swimmers met at The George Inn, Broadstairs before heading to Viking Bay at noon for the swim.
They were welcomed back to The George afterwards for some warming curry.
The total raised so far from the Viking Bay dip is ÂŁ2711.80.
Organisers Jill and Ken thanked all swimmers, bucket collectors and a special thank you to Dave & Bev and the bar staff at the George Inn.
To donate – https://www.justgiving.com/…/jill-connell-1671537460553…
Dippers also ran into the sea at St Mildred’s Bay this morning.
The St Mildred’s Bay Bistro handed out hot drinks afterwards.
Swimmers also took the plunge at Walpole Bay.
Somehow Margate seems to have avoided sewage releases so far. I have just read that there have been releases affecting Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe and Herne Bay. I hate to admit it but it was the dm.
So fun to watch and great to see the Ramsgate event attended by the RNLI in dingy and beach patrols – I hope they see a bit of the fundraising too for their expenses. Definitely inspired me to take part next year!
Kiiiiiim! Still one of the world’s most beautiful women (and part of a lovely family too).
Aren’t you ignoring that her marriage has just broken down .
Yes, as I’m already spoken for (sorry, Kim!).
Looks like the Viking Bay one has turned into a DFL fancy-dress party?
Well done to all involved – was great to see Kim’s support at the Ramsgate one