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# From Christmas dips to Santa dashes: How Suffolk came together for hospice appeal
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/from-christmas-dips-to-santa-dashes-how-suffolk-came-together-for-hospice-appeal/
- Published: 2025-01-16T16:11:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:25:27.000Z
- Description: Local businesses and community members have helped raise over £158,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice through various festive fundraisers, including the Christmas Day Dip, Santa Dash and Christmas Jumper Day.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Grants, Donations & Fundraising, #article, St Elizabeth Hospice, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: The record-breaking amount will help provide free care services to more than 1,300 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses across the region.

![Christmas Day Dip 2024](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1737043722-christmas-day-dip-2024-1.jpg)

Christmas Day Dip 2024 (St Elizabeth Hospice)

**The big picture**: The 2024 Be a Star appeal has edged past last year's total of £157,000, with donations still coming in. The campaign's Matched Giving Week alone raised over £46,662 thanks to support from local businesses between 2 and 8 December.

**Behind the scenes**: Lisa Parrish, Director of Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said the festive period was "particularly busy" for the hospice:

- The Ipswich Inpatient Unit supported over 15 patients between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
- Community teams continued working across the region, helping families create "precious memories"

![The Santa Dash was a great success](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1737043834-santa-dash-was-a-great-success.jpg)

The Santa Dash was a great success (St Elizabeth Hospice)

**What they're saying**: "Thank you so much to everybody who supported our Be a Star over Christmas. You really are all superstars, and your generosity has made such a difference to the hospice and to all the patients under our care," said Pauline Donkin, Head of Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice.

**The bottom line**: The successful campaign demonstrates how community-driven fundraising events can make a significant impact on local healthcare services, with every penny raised supporting vital hospice care across the region.

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