A former pupil at Hereford Cathedral School, Kiko Matthews, will be joined by 20 current members of Hereford Cathedral School’s Boat Club for a 24-hour Ergo Challenge this Saturday, January 13th. They aim to raise at least £1,000 towards Kiko’s ambition to raise £100,000 for King’s College Hospital which saved her life. The former Hereford Cathedral School pupil hopes to become the fastest female to row solo across The Atlantic – and to raise £100,000 to fund the hospital’s rooftop critical care unit

The girls aged 13-18 will brave freezing conditions from 10am on Saturday to 10am on Sunday.

It was when Kiko lay recovering from a life-threatening illness at London’s King College Hospital that she set her mind to support the astonishing medical team who saved her life and to raise funds for their roof garden critical care unit.

In 2009, Kiko was diagnosed with the rare and debilitating Cushing’s Disease. Her symptoms included diabetes, insomnia, memory loss, psychosis, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, spots, excessive hair growth and puffiness in the face and stomach. After a full recovery, the disease returned again earlier this year but Kiko says she now feels prepared to meet her incredible challenge to row the Atlantic on her own in 45 days. The current World Record stands at 54 days for a female to row solo, unsupported, across The Atlantic.

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 would love some public support to help lift theirs and Kiko’s spirits as they row through the night at Bewell Square, Hereford, on indoor rowing machines.

As well as donations taken on the day, the group have also set up a JustGiving page for their 24-hour Ergo Challenge and this can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hcsbcrowathon

Pippa Fowler, Rowing Mistress at Hereford Cathedral School’s Boat Club, said: “Our 24-hour Ergo Challenge will be a test of both physical and mental robustness, demonstrating the high level of teamwork and commitment within this inspiring group of girls. Thank you for your support and we hope you will join us on the day to keep us motivated!”