Grateful patient sets solo Atlantic rowing record in hospital fundraiser
♦ A science teacher who wanted to raise money for the hospital that saved her life has ended up breaking the world record for a solo row across the Atlantic.
Kiko Matthews was undergoing brain surgery at King’s College Hospital, London just eight months ago, but has become the fastest female to cross the Atlantic alone. The 36-year-old, who had never rowed before, completed the challenge in 49 days, 8 hours and 13 minutes. The previous best time, 56 days, was achieved by Anne Quéméré, of France.
Ms Matthews, from Hertfordshire, nearly died after being struck down with Cushing’s disease in 2009 and suffered a second tumour last year.
She said: “I guess I’m a bit proud of what I have done. The thought of a mojito at the end kept me going.”