Kiko Matthews, 38, who broke the female solo trans-Atlantic rowing record last year, is now aiming to cycle 7200km of Great British coastline, joining over 70 beach cleans as she goes.
Setting off from London on May 5th, she will cycle approximately 60 miles a day for 3 months, around the entire coast of the UK and the northern part of Ireland, stopping and helping clean beaches at least once a day. “I want to use this challenge to work with local communities to develop existing beach cleans and support existing organisers or use it as an opportunity for someone to start a regular beach cleaning group. I am working with individuals and existing organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society, Keep Britain Tidy, the RNLI and British Kitesurfing Association, to help me organise as many of the clean ups as possible. However, it’s also a great opportunity for someone else to set something up and get schools and local business involved. Beach cleaning isn’t just about cleaning up a beach and the environment. It brings communities together and is a great excuse to get outside, connect with nature and get some fresh air”
Keeping in line with the women focus, Kiko will also be looking for women to join the cycle, and whilst she isn’t saying no to men joining, she hopes that the challenge will encourage more women to dust off their bikes and helmets to come out and join her.
People can sign up to sponsor or take part in a beach clean, run a beach clean, cycle, or follow the Kik Plastic journey, all via the website www.kikomatthews.com/kik-plastic or on social media at @kikomatthews and @kikplastic
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