This year marks my tenth year of being Executive Director of the Lyric Hammersmith and I wanted to do something big for the theatre, particularly as I have chosen to leave in 2015 following the completion of our capital redevelopment. The Lyric is a registered charity and as well as producing great theatre we also do a huge amount of work with young people in the local community. This work has always been something that I have been passionate about and as my swan song (or should I say swan swim) I have chosen to specifically raise money for the projects we run for children in care. Looked after children are some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK and one of the saddest things is that they often don’t have families to introduce them to the arts and all the joy and learning that this can bring. But with my swim and your support we can make that happen.

As well as the Lyric’s work for children who don’t have the families they deserve, I am also fundraising for families who don’t have the children they long for. You can learn more about this at www.justgiving.com/Jessica-Hepburn-INUK/. I often describe my Channel Challenge as part childhood dream, part midlife crisis and if you want to read more about my personal story please visit my website and blog at www.thepursuitofmotherhood.com

Jessica x