STUDENTS and staff from Malvern St James Girls' School will be rowing for 12 hours on Saturday in aid of King's College Hospital in London.

The event is in support of former pupil Kiko Matthews, who is currently attempting to set a new world record by rowing 3,000 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic.

Kiko began her journey February 2, and is making great progress as she heads towards the finish line in Barbados.

The students and staff will be joined by parents, Old Girls and former staff in their challenge to row from 7am to 7pm, on two rowing machines outside Waitrose on Edith Walk in Malvern.

Headmistress Olivera Raraty will kick off the venture and members of the public are invited to take part too.

Kiko Matthews wants to acknowledge the pivotal role the intensive care unit at the hospital had in facilitating her recovery from Cushings Disease, caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland, and in supporting her family during a very difficult time.

A school spokesman said: "Kiko’s 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.

"The school has participated in sponsorship to get her boat on the water and the journey under way; and now MSJ want to involve the whole school and wider community in fundraising for King's. So come along and take part, cheer on the rowers and make a donation."