MSJ Supports Old Girl Kiko Matthews: 

"With a belief that the outcome is irrelevant, I see challenge as an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge, as well as resilience, confidence and relationships." 

So says Kiko Matthews, a quite extraordinary Old Girl, whom MSJ has been supporting as she set a new world record rowing 3,000 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic in 49 days!

Aside from loving a challenge, Kiko wants to acknowledge the pivotal role the Intensive Care Unit at King's College Hospital had in facilitating her recovery and in supporting her family during a very difficult time for them all.

Her way of saying thank you is to aim to raise £100,000 towards a new Critical Care Unit at King's. And at MSJ we are supporting Kiko's mission. We have participated in sponsorship to get her boat on the water and the journey under way; and now we want to involve the whole school and wider community in fundraising for King's to help bring her closer to her £100,000 target.

Our Aim

We are initiating our own group challenge - to row on two rowing machines which will be outside Waitrose on Edith Walk in Malvern on Saturday 12th May. Headmistress, Mrs Raraty will kick off the venture and thereafter we are looking for Staff, Sixth Formers, parents, family, friends and the great people of Malvern to join us for five minute slots to keep a rowing machine constantly in action. Sign up for a slot http://msj.gs/kikorow,  raise money, or simply donate here at justgiving.com or by text MSJK49 to 70070 to show your support. Kiko will power herself across the Atlantic, driven by sheer determination. Let's show our solidarity.

Kiko's Aim

"In January I will be in the middle of the Atlantic, on my own, hopefully on my way to being the Fastest Women to Solo Row the 3,000 miles, unsupported.

WHY?

There are two important objectives here:

1. To raise money for King's College Hospital Trust to build a new Intensive Care Unit. (see below)

2. To spread a message to women about the benefits of challenge, collaboration and community.

KING'S ICU

This 121-bed unit will be the first of it's kind, offering fresh air, natural light and an outdoor garden for patient well-being.

The 31 days I spent in Kings, including those spent in the ICU, were the most critical of my life. I am SO grateful to the King's staff and supporters for pulling me and my family through that awful time.

As anyone who has spent time in an ICU, whether as a patient, or as a family member will attest: This new unit will make an enormous difference to millions of patients and visitors during their hour of need.

Please give generously to support this worthwhile and transformative cause.

With thanks, and love,

Kiko xx"

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.