Oldham Athletic chair set to row Atlantic Ocean for charity

Frank Rothwell is planning a solo race without any support across the Atlantic Ocean this December as part of the world's toughest row competition. 

The challenge will see the grandfather row 3,000 miles across the world's second-largest ocean, from the Canary Islands to Antigua, with the aim of raising another £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK.

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Frank took up sailing at age 40 and decided to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK after seeing his brother-in-law, Roger, suffer from the disease.

It won't be the first time the 73-year-old has taken on the challenge either as in December 2020, then aged 70, Frank and his boat, 'Never Too Old', crossed the finish line after 56 days.

Frank completed the challenge in 56 days in 2020-2021 (Image: Frank Rothwell/Alzheimer's UK)

During the gruelling task, Frank received the devastating news that Roger had died from Alzheimer's at the age of 62 - but he was determined to complete the row which he did in February 2021.

Not only did his efforts raise more than £1.1 million but he also earned himself a Guinness World Record for being the 'oldest person to row across the Atlantic'.

He went on to win the 2021 Pride of Britain's 'Fundraiser of the Year' award followed by the 'outstanding commitment' award by Alzheimer's UK.

This year, Frank has named his boat 'For A Cure' to reflect the charity's mission to find a cure for dementia.

As well as the loss of Roger, earlier this year Frank also lost his best friend to the disease.

He now hopes to raise as much awareness and money as possible for Alzheimer's Research UK so that, one day, every person is free from the heartbreak caused by dementia.

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, a long-term partner and supporter of the UK's leading dementia research charity, will be generously match-funding the first £100,000 of donations made to Frank’s JustGiving page. 

Prepping ahead for the mega challenge, Frank said: “I’m back and ready to row across the Atlantic Ocean solo – for the second time!

"This time, I’m 73 years old and even busier than I was before, having become the proud owner of Oldham Athletic A.F.C.

When he was 70, he was crowned the 'oldest person to row across the Atlantic' by the Guinness World Records (Image: Alex Wallace)

"But I’m a big believer in living life with no regrets, which is why I want to race again this year."

When asked about why he's taking on the challenge for a second time, Frank added: "I’m not frightened of the challenge ahead, but I am frightened of Alzheimer’s.

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"I’ve seen the heartbreak that it causes.

"Sadly, I’ve lost two people that I love to dementia, my brother-in-law, Roger, during my 2020 race, and my best friend only a couple of months ago.

"It’s devastating.

"I don’t want others to go through it, so I am determined to help Alzheimer’s Research UK change lives.

"I’ve renamed my boat 'For A Cure,’ because that’s what I’m racing for.

"I’m racing to end the heartbreak of dementia.

"I would be incredibly grateful to anyone who is able to support me by donating.”

Hilary Evans, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, also said: “We are in awe of Frank for deciding to race again for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

"He raised a phenomenal amount of money for the charity when he crossed the Atlantic during his last race.

"We are so grateful to Frank for deciding to race again for us and row another 3,000 miles.

“Since Frank’s last row, there has been incredible progress in dementia research, with two new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease proving successful. But this is only just the beginning.

"At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we exist for a cure, so we can save everyone from the heartbreak of dementia."

Ms Evans hopes to see the public and football community support Frank, and the charity, to help it accelerate progress for a cure.

She added: "Frank and Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation’s continued support will help us to get there.

"Thank you, Frank, and the very best of luck from Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Sir Malcolm Walker, founder and executive chairman of Iceland Foods, said: “I was absolutely thrilled to hear that Frank was taking on the Atlantic challenge for the second time.

"His adventurous spirit and determination know no limits and I’m so grateful to him for continuing to support Alzheimer’s Research UK.

"I am delighted that Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation is supporting Frank’s race through match-funding the first £100,000 donations made to his fundraising page.

"We are proud to stand with Frank and Alzheimer’s Research UK for a cure for dementia.

"Good luck, Frank!”

Donate to Frank’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK by searching justgiving.com for Frank Rothwell.

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