Twenty female members of Hereford Cathedral School’s Boat Club are recovering after raising over £2,200 in their 24-hour Ergo Challenge at the weekend.

The girls rowed through the night on Saturday, January 13th to raise funds for former HCS pupil Kiko Matthews, who aims to beat the World Record for the fastest woman to row solo across the Atlantic.

The girls, aged 13-18, braved freezing conditions to help Kiko raise £100,000 for King’s College Hospital, who saved her life after she was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease in 2009.

The girls were joined on the ‘guest Ergo’ by MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire Jesse Norman, HCS Head of RS Mr Scot, among others. And following a £50 pledge from Mr Priday, Mr Jackson duly stepped in to help out the Ergo Challenge girls.

On Saturday evening, HCS acapella ensemble AcaFella offered encouragement by singing from the balcony in Bewell Square.

By the end of the challenge at 10am on Sunday, the girls looked thoroughly exhausted, aching and blistered. Special mention must go to tag team Holly S and Ellie D who kept one machine going between them for the entire 24 hours.

Kiko is preparing to meet her incredible challenge to row the Atlantic on her own in 45 days. Kiko grew up in Hereford and her parents still live locally. Kiko’s father, Dr Matthews, was a popular Hereford GP who is now retired. Kiko leaves Gran Canaria later this month and her gruelling row, which could see her endure up to 40ft waves, ends in Barbados five weeks later.

The girls from Hereford Cathedral School set a target of £1,000 and were delighted they more than doubled this. As well as donations taken on the day, the group have also set up a JustGiving page and this can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hcsbcrowathon

HCS Head of Rowing Mrs Fowler: “There are no words to describe how hard the girls worked over the weekend. Rowing, collecting money, helping with food, constantly working as a team and all without any complaining despite the tiredness! Thank you all for your support and please keep the fundraising campaign going!”

Later, Kiko tweeted: “Girls you were amazing. Can not believe how well you @all@did. Next stop the Atlantic!”