The generous legacy has made it possible to soon open a new gym dedicated to training our Boat Club athletes.
Lucy Cavendish College is delighted to announce that renovation works are currently underway to transform the old garage of Marshall House, situated on the College's Lady Margaret Road site, into a new gym facility. This exciting development has been made possible by a generous legacy from the late Don Hefferon, who passed away in 2020. The project was managed by Chris Launchbury, the outgoing Boat Club President and is set to conclude in time for the new academic year, creating a dedicated training space for the Lucy Cavendish College Boat Club.
The renovated facility, aptly named the Hefferon Gym, will be equipped with state-of-the-art fold-out erg machines and weightlifting equipment, providing a much-needed training hub for the College's rowers. This development marks a significant milestone in the College's commitment to supporting student athletes and promoting physical well-being. It will be possible to fold the erg machines away, providing a multifunctional space for the use of all Lucy students.
The Hefferon legacy has a deep connection to Lucy Cavendish College and the sport of rowing. Don's late wife, Sarah Hefferon, who passed away in 2015, was a Lucy Cavendish alumna, matriculating in 1979 to read Law. During her time at Lucy, Sarah developed a passion for rowing and became a key member of the then-new Boat Club, serving as the stroke of the first Lucy Boat. Meanwhile Don himself was the Club’s first coach. The couple's shared enthusiasm for the sport led them to regularly support events such as Henley Royal Regatta (Don was a member of the Leander Club) and the Cambridge Bumps.
Tatjana Walker, Operations and Estates Director at Lucy Cavendish, expressed her gratitude: "We are immensely thankful for Don Hefferon's legacy, which honours both his and Sarah's connection to our College and their love for rowing. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on our students, particularly those passionate about the sport. The Hefferon Gym will not only enhance our facilities but also inspire future generations of rowers of all abilities at Lucy Cavendish."
Members of the Lucy Cavendish College Boat Club are eagerly anticipating the completion of the Hefferon Gym. Joshua Ripley, the Club's President, shared his excitement: "Given that rowing is both a power and endurance sport, the ability to train both in a single dedicated space will be an incredible asset to the club and its athletes, as 'land training' is invaluable to on the water performance. As a club we are incredibly grateful and will certainly make the most of this gift. I am sure that, given the passion Don and Sarah showed for the sport, they would be content that this is how their donation is being utilised by the College."
With renovation works already in progress, the College community looks forward to celebrating the opening of the Hefferon Gym at the start of the upcoming academic year.
As Lucy Cavendish College continues to grow and evolve, the Hefferon Gym stands as a testament to the power of legacy giving and the enduring impact alumni can have on their college community. It serves as a fitting tribute to Don and Sarah Hefferon's shared passion for rowing and their enduring connection to Lucy Cavendish College.
About Lucy Legacy Month:
This September, Lucy Cavendish College is proud to host Lucy Legacy Month, celebrating the transformative power of legacy giving. Throughout the month, we will shine a spotlight on the incredible impact legacies have on our college community, and provide valuable information on how you can leave a lasting legacy at Lucy Cavendish (and how you can write a will online for free).
