10.11.21 The Guardia

Grandfather becomes oldest person to row 3,000 miles solo unassisted across Atlantic

This article is more than 8 months old

Frank Rothwell, 70, raised more than £640,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK in tribute to his brother-in-law Roger

A grandfather has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean, raising more than £640,000 for dementia research.

Frank Rothwell, 70, from Oldham, set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December and crossed the finish line in Antigua in the Caribbean on Saturday – reuniting with Judith, his wife of 50 years, in good time for Valentine’s Day.

He said crossing the finish line was a “completely euphoric moment” as he raised more than £648,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK in tribute to his brother-in-law Roger, who died with Alzheimer’s aged 62 during his journey.

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has pledged to double the first £500,000 of donations.

Rothwell went on: “I felt quite emotional approaching the finish. It took six long weeks to row the Atlantic, but the challenge itself has taken over 18 months of training and preparation, so I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and the unbelievable journey I’ve been on.

“While rowing, I received heartbreaking messages from people who have had similar experiences to my own, with my brother-in-law, Roger, so I hope I’ve helped other families in some way too.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has reached into their pockets and donated. Having the support from so many means the world to me. Thank you.”

The adventurer has previously spent five weeks on a deserted island for a Bear Grylls TV programme, and rowed in a boat nicknamed Never Too Old.

Iceland Foods founder Sir Malcolm Walker added: “I’ve known Frank for many years, so I knew his determination to complete a challenge would get him this far. But seeing the heartwarming and generous support he’s receiving from the public is astounding.”

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re incredibly moved by Frank’s determination to raise £1m for dementia research. By taking on such a monumental challenge at 70 years old, he has helped to spread awareness and inspired people of all ages to take on their own challenges.

“To bring about life-changing treatments for dementia, fundraising efforts from ordinary people like Frank and his supporters provide a crucial lifeline to the progression of our research.”

In April 2020, 72-year-old Graham Walters completed a solo journey across the Atlantic and achieved the record for the oldest person to row any ocean solo. However, he was towed the very last section after being blown off course.

 This article was amended on 9 February 2021 to clarify that Frank Rothwell set a record for the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic entirely unassisted, and to add relevant details about Graham Walters’ row in 2020.

Frank is about to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic - he wants to be back with his wife for Valentine’s Day

Frank Rothwell has asked his wife Judith to "talk fast" when he calls her from the satellite phone because "the calls are costing me about £1 per minute!"

When Frank Rothwell sets off this winter to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic he’ll have one thing on this mind - getting back home to his wife.

The adventurous grandad, 70, hopes to be the oldest person to complete the gruelling solo row.

He is aiming to raise £1m for Alzheimer's Research UK after witnessing the devastating impact of dementia.

The grandfather-of-three, from Oldham, will face treacherous weather, isolation and fatigue, but says the biggest challenge will be being away from his wife Judith.

“I am so happy my wife Judith is supportive of this challenge,” he says.

“We will be in contact twice a day on the satellite phone. But I have told her to write down what she plans to say and talk fast because the calls are costing me about £1 per minute!”

Frank will cast off from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, on Saturday December 12, with the hope of reaching Antigua and reuniting with Judith the following Valentine’s Day.

He is due to attend his last training day in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, this week before his boat is shipped off to the starting line.

He says: “Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean unsupervised is the biggest challenge I can take on, and I wish I was setting off today.

“I have undergone months of gruelling training sessions in preparation so I’m all fired up, feeling well and as fit as any 70-year-old bloke can be.

“I’ll have to make the most out of my last day of training with the boat in Essex, as I won’t see it again until I get to the Canary Islands in December.”

After witnessing the devastating impact of dementia, Frank’s goal is to raise £1m for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

To help him get there, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has agreed to generously match-fund the first £500,000 worth of donations.

The businessman is self-funding the whole trip, so all money raised will go directly to the charity.

“I would like to make a positive difference with my life, so that’s why I’m dedicating 18 months to raising much-needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer's Research UK,” Frank says.

I’ve seen the heartbreak dementia causes, but at the moment there are no treatments to make it easier, or slow down its onset, never mind cure it.

“Unfortunately, charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK are going through a very difficult time during this pandemic, taking a huge loss in donations. I believe we can help them find life-changing treatments and eradicate this terrible condition for our children and grandchildren. So, I’d be grateful to anyone who can support me.”

There are almost one million people in the UK living with dementia.

The charity is working to bring about the first life-changing treatment for dementia by 2025.

But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity is predicting its income may fall by up to 45 per cent, meaning Frank’s fundraising will offer a vital lifeline to dementia research.

Chief Executive Ian Wilson says he is “in awe” of Frank and his “enthusiasm and energy”.

He adds: “Frank’s determination in embarking on a challenge that others may deem impossible is exactly the attitude we need to overcome dementia.

“Without life-changing preventions and treatments, one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. But as a result of COVID-19, critical progress in dementia research is at stake, so the £1m Frank hopes to raise will be crucial in helping our pioneering researchers regain momentum in their search for a much-needed cure.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Frank, and to Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation for their generous support.

“We’d love to see the public and business get behind Frank by making a donation, if they are able to do so.

“We wish Frank the best of luck and can’t wait to hear his updates from the Atlantic.”