This is terrible news. Jess was a friend of mine when we were at university, and I was in touch with her on and off over the years. She was one of those people who, in a good way, seemed not to change and remained the same incredibly smart, feisty, fizzing with energy, funny, sincere, warm, positive, committed, and passionate person she was as a student. She had that rare ability to take her work seriously but not herself. 1/2
2/3 I just read the statement she'd written only a couple of weeks ago announcing her illness. Characteristically, there was no self-pity; her focus was squarely on the community - her community, the Doc Society that she'd built, and the crises - of climate and democracy - that we all currently face. (If you haven't read it yet, you should https://docsociety.org/announcement-from-jess-search/ ) It was a call for all of us to do our bit, and do better.
3/3 The last time I saw Jess was at the Griersons a couple of years ago. She gave me a big grin & hug and then a (metaphorical) kick up the arse for not being more actively concerned about the Johnson government's agenda for the creative sector. (This was before their attempted privatisation of C4 was revealed.) She was right, and right to pull me up. The best tribute I can make to her wonderful life is to keep trying to do better, to be vigilant & be bold in the fight for equality & justice.
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To climb these coming crests
one word to you, to
you and your children:
stay together
learn the flowers
go light