SUPPORTERS of St Margaret’s Hospice will be taking part in a New Year’s Day swim in the sea this weekend - the meteorological start of spring.

The charity’s annual dip in the sea at Minehead was cancelled this year because of severe weather warnings.

So, the fund-raising event is now being held on Sunday (March 2), the closest weekend to the charity’s 45th anniversary on March 5, and renamed the ‘Sapphire Birthday Dip’.

Hundreds of people of all ages will be taking part in the fourth annual event and hoping to raise £10,000 to help the charity continue to provide free hospice care across the county.

St Margaret’s is encouraging the swimmers to dress up in their favourite costumes to make their dip in the sea as memorable as possible.

Each swimmer will be given a hot drink and slice of cake post-dip, and if they raise £45 or more for the hospice they will also receive a ‘Sapphire Dip’ bobble hat.

A hospice spokesperson said: “While the Sapphire Birthday Dip is all about coming together for a great time, it is also about making a difference.

“Every penny you raise will help provide vital care to patients and families across the community when they need it most.”

One person taking part again this year will be Suzanne Sharp, whose stepfather was cared for by the hospice during a 14-month battle with bowel cancer.

Ms Sharp said: “At the worst time in our lives, the most amazing people came in to support us, knowing exactly what we would need.

“It is not just a job for them, it is a calling.”

Tickets to take part in the ‘Sapphire Birthday Dip’ can be bought for £7 in advance from the hospice website, or people can turn up at 9.15 pm on the day and pay £10.