Kiko Matthews broke a world record on 23 March when she became the fastest female to solo row the Atlantic Ocean in just 49 days; completing the 3,000nm journey almost a week quicker than the previous record holder. Kiko has raised over £117,000 for our Support Life Appeal and has been nominated as endurance fundraiser of the year in the 2018 JustGiving Awards.
In 2009, Kiko nearly died of a brain tumour and underwent lifesaving neurosurgery at King’s. The tumour resulted in Cushing’s disease, a syndrome that causes excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol to be released by the adrenal glands. This rare condition can cause memory loss, psychosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, insomnia and muscle wastage, as well as further tumours. Eight years ago, Kiko could barely walk up the stairs. A year before setting off, Kiko had never rowed before and while training for her Atlantic row she had to have further surgery to remove a second tumour. Now she is a world record holder.
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Read more about Kiko's incredible story on her website.
