Ports of Jersey is sponsoring a writer at this year’s Jersey Festival of Words whose book, Save me from the Waves, charts her successful completion of the ‘Sea, Street, Summit challenge’.
Jessica Hepburn is the first and only woman in the world to have swum the English Channel, run the London Marathon and climbed Mount Everest. Despite hating exercise, Jessica achieved this feat in her forties, while listening to her favourite radio show, Desert Island Discs. Her book tells the story of how adventure changed her life, after infertility meant her life didn’t go to plan.
Jessica is an award-winning author, arts producer and adventure activist who has become one of the UK’s leading voices on fertility and family, and endurance sport.
Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, said: “We are very pleased to support Jessica’s appearance at this year’s Festival of Words. Save me from the Waves celebrates the positive impact of taking on some of the world’s most iconic endurance challenges, which Jessica has used to turn her own sadness into something positive. Her book champions the power of adventure to improve physical and mental health, especially after enduring difficult times.”
Background – About – Jessica Hepburn
Jessica worked in the arts at Northern Stage, the Brighton Festival, and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre where she was Executive Director for ten years. She then co-founded the world’s first arts festival dedicated to fertility & infertility, whose mission was to use the power of the arts to improve IVF patient solidarity and support.
It also spearheaded a campaign to improve fertility education in schools so young people have the best chance of creating the families they want in the future. This contributed to the Government’s announcement that a broader approach to fertility education would be included on the curriculum.
Jessica will be in conversation with local resident and fellow Channel swimmer and Everest climber, Eric Blakeley, on Sunday 29 September at 4.30pm at the Jersey Arts Centre.
You can buy tickets for the festival at www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org