1. Kiko is a social entrepreneur and educator. In 2015 she left her job as
Head of Science, and set up an award-winning stand-up paddleboarding
company. Following her passion for charity, she set up The Big Stand, a
charity based around the environment, adventure, leadership and
education. In 2016, in need of a new challenge, Kiko decided to set
herself the goal of attempting a world record to be the fastest female to
row the Atlantic, solo and unsupported.
World Record Attempt
Fastest Woman to Row Solo Across the Atlantic
Brought up as an independent child with the
outdoors as her TV, she developed a natural
instinct for adventure early on in life. Her love for
the outdoors, travelling and a challenge later took
her through Africa driving from the UK to Cape
Townas part of a team lead by the first person in a
wheelchair to drive the whole route themselves. On
returning to the UK she trained as a science
teacher, however, a couple of years later Kiko was
diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, causing a rare
disease called Cushing’s, putting her body into a
life threatening state. At the peak of her illness, her
muscles and bones had wasted away significantly
meaning she could barely get herself out of a bath.
"It took me a year to convince Kiko to take on the
Atlantic Ocean, solo. Since then, she has gone on to
embrace this challenge with more focus than
anyone I have met in recent years. I have no doubt
that she will be successful in breaking the WR. She
is mentally and physically made of steel!"
- Charlie Pitcher, Male Solo WR Holder
Why the World Record attempt?
Her near death experience tested Kiko mentally
and physically and combining that memory with
an ongoing need to be challenged, an attempt to be
the fastest female to row 3000 miles from East to
West of the North Atlantic Ocean, on her own and
unsupported, was the perfect challenge. Having
never stepped foot in a rowing boat in her life, but
with WR holder Charlie Pitcher endorsing and
training her, Kiko aims to cross the Atlantic in
around 45 days, whilst raising money for Help for
Heroes, Women in Sport and The Big Stand.
Kiko is evidence that anything is possible given the
right attitude, passion and collaboration. She
promotes challenge and integrity, hoping to
inspire girls and women to push themselves both
in their personal and work life as well as
encouraging them to be more active. She believes
that experience through challenge helps to develop
confidence, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled
and rounded life. She wants to empower women
by showing them you don’t have to be
experienced, or a professional, to consider
challenging themsleves. Kiko also has a passion for
the environment, recognizing the benefits of the
outdoors, understanding and respecting what is
around her and what an incredible place we live in.
Contact: kikomatthews@gmail.com/ 07854985007
Website: www.kikomatthews.co.uk
Social Media: Facebook /Kikomatthews
Twitter/Instagram @Kikomatthews