An internationally renowned violinist will be diving into the sea at Felixstowe on Christmas Day to raise money for charity.

Ipswich Star: Kerenza Peacock as a child with mum FayKerenza Peacock as a child with mum Fay (Image: Archant)

The St Elizabeth Hospice fundraiser will see people taking a chilly dip tomorrow morning having been sponsored by friends and family, with the cash raised going to the charity.

Joining them will be Ipswich-raise Kerenza Peacock, lead violinist for the Pavao String Quartet.

Miss Peacock’s mother was looked after by the hospice before she died in March this year and the musician said she was impressed by the organisation’s staff.

“We were so surprised at how amazing they were,” she said. “The staff were so kind to all of us.

“We were shocked at how much it costs to keep the hospice running so we thought we’d do something as a family (to help).”

Mis Peacock is taking part in the swim with her father David Peacock and brother Stephen Miles.

“I think it’s really important that people get involved and get out there and do something,” Miss Peacock added.

“The hospice is such an important thing. End of life care isn’t really talked about in our society.

“If it wasn’t for the hospice I don’t know what would happen to so many people in Ipswich.”