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Son shares moving tribute to mum's hospice care ahead of Christmas Day Dip

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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

An Ipswich man has shared his family's experience of St Elizabeth Hospice care, ahead of the charity's annual Christmas Day fundraising event in Felixstowe.

Why it matters: The hospice provides free care to more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout the county each year, relying on fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip to continue their vital work.

The big picture: Ross Dowsing's mother Heather, a lifelong Ipswich Town fan, received care at St Elizabeth Hospice until her death in 2023, aged 74, following a battle with cancer. His story offers a touching insight into the comprehensive support provided by the hospice.

"From the moment we entered the building, the care and support our family received, especially Mum, was second to none," said Ross. "Every single person there, employed or volunteer, was brilliant."

The Dowsing family at the hopice's inpatient unit
The Dowsing family at the hopice's inpatient unitSt Elizabeth Hospice

Behind the scenes: The hospice team went above and beyond to create a welcoming environment:

  • Staff would sit to chat, laugh or cry with Heather

  • They allowed family visits from grandchildren and even the family dog

  • One staff member painted Heather's nails to lift her spirits

  • The family personalised her space with photos and drawings from her granddaughters

In their words: "St Elizabeth Hospice is just so warm, relaxed and homely," Ross explained. "The biggest difference the team made for Mum was helping her in her down moments and keeping her as upbeat as they could."

The bottom line: While supporting patients like Heather, St Elizabeth Hospice relies on fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip. Join hundreds of other dippers opposite Mannings Amusements in Felixstowe from 8.30am tomorrow, with the dip taking place at 10am. Registration is £20 on the day.

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

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

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