Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

From Christmas dips to Santa dashes: How Suffolk came together for hospice appeal

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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.

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
Christmas Day Dip 2024St 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
The Santa Dash was a great successSt 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.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article