KIKO MATTHEWS TRANSATLANTIC SOLO CHALLENGE 2018

KIKO MATTHEWS - WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT ATLANTIC SOLO ROW CHALLENGE 2018

Who Am I? And What Am I doing?

Hey! my name is Kiko Matthews. In Jan 2018, I hope to become the fastest woman to solo row the Atlantic, and join 6 other women who have completed the challenge. My goal is to cross in 45 days – beating the current record of 56 days (I know this sounds like a big difference but I am using the best boat in the world and I'm pretty determined!). To make my dream a reality, I need your help.

Why on earth am I doing it?

I want to show people that anything can be achieved, no matter what, particularly if we support one and other and work together.

In 2009 I was diagnosed with a disease called Cushing’s, caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland, putting my body into a life-threatening state. I was barely strong enough to climb the stairs or get myself out of a bath. Diabetes, insomnia, memory loss, psychosis, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, spots, excessive hair growth and puffiness in the face and stomach were just some of the symptoms I dealt with.

Surviving such a rare and life-threatening condition made me decide to spend the rest of my life pursuing meaningful experiences and challenging myself, both physically and mentally. Through my actions, I want to inspire other women to challenge themselves, in whatever way honours their skills and passions, unlocking their personal confidence and independence for happier lives.

8 years on, it's thanks to Kings College Hospital that I have my life back so I’m using this opportunity to raise money for their new Critical Care Unit.

This brings me on to The 2018 Challenge

Over the years, I have set myself goals that push my mental and physical boundaries, and this year I'm cranking it up to the next level with a personal challenge to row across the Atlantic Ocean from Gran Canaria to Barbados, solo and unsupported. Having never stepped into a rowing boat before 2017, aiming to cover the distance in a record breaking time of 45 days to join a small and exclusive club of six incredible women who have done the same.

WHAT AM I ASKING FROM YOU?

What I need more than anything else is supporters, wonderful people like YOU to crowd-fund the money for my training, preparation and associated costs to get me to that start line in January, so I can ROW HARD, complete this challenge and raise £100k for Kings College Hospital.

I took on this world record attempt to keep challenging myself, but I know I can't do it alone. I brought this challenge to Go Get Fundind to bring as many people on board as I can: whatever the CHALLENGE, we can achieve anything if we work together - COLLABORATION and an awesome COMMUNITY is what makes us stronger and able to achieve or overcome anything . Not only will your support help me financially, but it will also be hugely valuable in keeping me on-track and motivated during the build up to the launch in 2018.

MY CROWDFUNDING TARGET

Bottom line, I need your help to raise £100k to fund the challenge, the real-life costs between now and the end of the project (i.e. to get me and the boat home, too!). Your contribution will fund things like my fitness training, boat training, boat and equipment charter, shipping of boat, land-support when crossing, sea skills and day to day transport costs. It will also help to fund to any sustenance and supplies needed during training rows, accommodation costs related to training rows and international transport costs. I would also gladly accept any donations of time, advice or expertise.

I want to bring as many people together as possible, so the idea is that by supporting me here you step a’board and experience the challenge alongside me. Not only that but you'll be part of the World Record which I wouldn't be able to achieve without you.

I will be posting daily content across all my social media channels (search @kikomatthews), keeping you up-to-date and inspired, giving you honest Kiko-style insight into what it takes to do this, to become a world record holder, the daily life of an athlete and entrepreneur plus general musings on life as Kiko Matthews.

I would be honoured if you clicked the links below to become part of my community and join me on my journey:

facebook: @kikomatthews https://www.facebook.com/kikomatthews/

instagram @kikomatthews https://www.instagram.com/kikomatthews/

twitter @kikomatthews https://twitter.com/Kikomatthews

Youtube: @Kiko Matthews https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_8_14Tb5qk8puLwx...

PERKS

The support I have received from friends and strangers has been incredible, and it means the world to me. As such I am appreciative of ANY amount to help get me closer to that £100k. Anything from £1 upwards could make a difference.

If you feel that you could contribute something towards my challenge then I’d love to offer you the following rewards in return for your generosity:

£6 - sponsor a MOVIE - feel good

£10 - sponsor a meal - reward yourself with a tasty treat

£20 - Feed me for a day - receive a World Record Certificate on completion (unofficial)

£30 - Sponsor a Mile Xmas present - receive a Xmas card (for xmas) and a World Record Certificate on completion (unofficial)

£50 - 1 ticket to post challenge talk

£100 - 2 tickets to post-challenge talk & name on website

£150 - 2 tickets to post-challenge talk, name on website & free paddle board lesson

£200 - 2 VIP tickets to post-challenge talk, name on website & free paddle board lesson

Anything over and above what I need will go directly towards the separate £100k that I am aiming to raise for Kings College Hospital. If you’d prefer to donate directly to KCH then you can do that by clicking here: http://www.kikomatthews.co.uk/charities/

EMPOWERING WOMEN

This challenge proves that anyone can attempt anything given the right attitude, belief and support. I want to use my story to inspire women to challenge themselves. Whether a physical, social or mental challenge, recognising the journey and developments you make is key to developing confidence and independence. This is where my other initiative, 100TOGETHER, comes in.

100TOGETHER is a collective of amazing females. 100TOGETHER is about showing women that anything can be overcome or achieved if we work together and support one and other. The power of women from start to finish!

If you feel inspired by my story, by my wish to empower women, and you could contribute £250 or more then I strongly encourage you to get involved in 100TOGETHER by clicking this link http://www.kikomatthews.co.uk/about-100-together/).

Join me in promoting a world that empowers us to do things ourselves, to think differently, to work together for a new future that's built on challenge, community & collaboration with real support behind it from real people.

Thank You for your support!