HEREFORDSHIRE’S inspiring Kiko Matthews has rowed her way into the record books after completing an amazing feat to cross the Atlantic single-handed.

The 36-year-old reached Barbados today (Friday) having steered herself to victory on board Rannoch Adventure’s world-class carbon fibre boat. The former Hereford Cathedral School pupil has clipped 11 days off the previous record to cross the ocean in 44 days, surviving 40ft waves, sleep deprivation, muscle pains, blisters, sea-sickness and loneliness.

A daily blog has kept well-wishers informed of Kiko’s progress as she rowed the 3,000 miles from Grand Canaria to Barbados in pursuit of her aim to become the fastest female to complete the challenge, solo and unsupported.

The daughter of retired Hereford GP Dr Paddy Matthews and his wife, Genevieve, Kiko’s mission has been not only to scoop the title but also to raise £100,000 for King’s College Hospital, London where she underwent surgery in 2009, and again last August, having been diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening pituitary tumour.

Her mission has captured the imagination of many, and £70,000 has already been pledged for her charity. Described by her parents, who live in Longtown, as a “free spirit”, Kiko, a non-rower, trained for 1,000 hours to prepare for what she called “tackling the abyss alone”. After arriving at her destination today (Friday), Kiko rewarded herself with a mojito cocktail. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she explained that celebrations will be postponed until her arrival back in the UK.

“I’ve been dreaming about mojitos,” she told news anchor John Humphrys. “I can’t walk, my legs are like jelly and wobbly, so I’ll celebrate when I’m back home.”

She hopes her achievement will be an inspiration to women. “I want to inspire women in particular, to show we’re just as capable as guys,” she said.

During the crossing, Kiko has been following in the direction of the trade-winds, and for much of her journey she was joined by a storm petrel. “My mother said it was probably my Granny looking after me!” she said. On another occasion she was also amazed to see a 50ft white whale surfacing close to her boat.

Earlier this week she reported on her daily blog being almost flung overboard by a “massive 40ft rogue wave”.

She has praised friends and relatives who have sent her messages of support. One said she was a “shining star of inspiration”, another that she was “the awe in awesome”.

*Donations can be made at www.kikomatthews.co.uk