Hundreds of charity fundraisers braved the icy cold waters of the North Sea on Boxing Day once again for the annual Hartlepool Lions event.
After a parade from The Staincliffe Hotel to the beach, led by pipers and dignitaries, the dippers plunged into the sea supervised as usual by volunteers from the RNLI.
Ian Richardson from Billingham and his loyal band of supporters were out in force, pictured, to raise money for Ava’s fund.
After counting all the donations, the Billingham branch of the Royal British Legion is pleased to announce that almost £20,000 was raised in its Poppy Appeal last year.
Branch Chairman, Alan Lewis, said that members were overwhelmed by the support of the public. The amount raised has increased by around £3,000 each year over the last three years.
Mr Lewis said: “It reflects so well on the people of Billingham. I often think that it’s the people who have less who give more. The people of Billingham are very generous.”
The members at the Cowpen Club raised over £500 and the response from Billingham Schools was particularly welcomed.
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