Outgoing Lyric Director Jessica Completes Channel Swim
"Happy ending" as epic effort raises almost £15,000 for charity
Jessica Hepburn, the outgoing director of the Lyric Hammersmith has raised almost £15,000 for charity after swimming the English Channel.
Jessica, who has been executive director of the theatre in King Street, Hammersmith, for nearly 10 years, completed the impressive feat in 17 hours and 44 minutes.
As we reported in July, Jessica, author of the book The Pursuit of Motherhood which follows her struggle to have a child, took on the challenge to raise money for the Lyric and the national charity Infertility Network UK.
Tweeting soon after finishing her swim on Wednesday September 2, Jessica said: " 'I got my happy ending. Thank you Channel. Jessica Hepburn 17hrs 44mins and we've almost hit 15k! Thank you all."
The money raised for the Lyric will go towards the project the theatre runs for children in care. You can still donate on Jessica's JustGiving page.
Jessica, who oversaw the theatre's £20 million expansion, part-funded by H&F Council, now plans to focus on her writing career.
She will be succeeded by Sian Alexander who takes up the role from 5 October.
Cllr Sue Macmillan, cabinet member for children and education, says: " Jessica is an inspiration.
" I am delighted that she has chosen to raise money for the projects that the Lyric runs for children in care. “Not only have these fundraising efforts been an impressive display of fortitude and determination, her vision has been instrumental in transforming the Lyric into the fantastic venue it is now.
" We will be sorry to lose her expertise but wish her the best for what is sure to be a very successful future."
Jessica practising for her Channel swim
September 18, 2015
