Oldham Athletic owner completes solo row across Atlantic Ocean
73-year-old Frank Rothwell set sail on the 13th of December
The owner of Oldham Athletic has finished his 3000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.
On 13th of December 2023, Frank Rothwell set sail on his solo race across the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Row for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Yesterday (14 February) Frank reached £250,000 in donations for the charity.
This incredible challenge took the 73-year-old 3,000-miles across the world’s second largest ocean, from the Canary Islands to Antigua. It is the second time he has taken on this race for the charity.
Last time he did this for the UK’s leading dementia research charity, he raised over £1.1 million.
This year, the weather proved to be a challenge, as Frank's boat capsized twice.
Alzheimer's Research UK said: "This time, Frank named his boat ‘For A Cure’ to reflect the charity’s mission, to find a cure for dementia, something personally important to him.
"During his previous race in 2020/21, Frank received the heart-breaking news that his brother-in-law, Roger, had passed away with Alzheimer’s at the age of 62. Frank also lost his best friend, who passed away with the disease."
On Frank's JustGiving page it said: "If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by developing the condition ourselves, caring for someone with it, or both.
"Frank wants to stop dementia from robbing us of everything that matters. Our memories. Our connections. Our story.
"Alzheimer’s Research UK exists for a cure, and we won’t stop until everyone is free from the heartbreak of dementia.
"We would like to thank Frank for standing with us for a cure."