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Bolton grandfather, 70, becomes oldest to row Atlantic unassisted, raising £640k for charity

Frank Rothwell raised £648,000 for a dementia charity by completing his 3,000-mile journey across the ocean.

By Manpreet Kaur Sachdeva, news reporter

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Sunday 7 February 2021 10:38, UK

File handout photo dated 06/02/21 issued by Alzheimers Research UK of Frank Rothwell, 70, from Oldham who has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean Ð raising more than £640,000 for dementia research after crossing the finishing line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in Antigua. Issue date: Sunday February 7, 2021.
Image: Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has pledged to double the first £500,000 of donations. Pic: Alzheimer's Research UK
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A 70-year-old grandfather from Oldham has become the oldest person to row unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean - raising more than £640,000 for charity.

Frank Rothwell began his 3,000-mile challenge at Canary Island La Gomera on 12 December and crossed the finish line in Antigua in the Caribbean on 6 February - reuniting with Judith, his wife of 50 years.

He said crossing the finish line was a "completely euphoric moment" as he raised £648,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK in tribute to his brother-in-law Roger, who died with the disease aged 62 during his row.

File handout photo dated 06/02/21 issued by Alzheimers Research UK of Frank Rothwell, 70, from Oldham who has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean Ð raising more than £640,000 for dementia research after crossing the finishing line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in Antigua. Issue date: Sunday February 7, 2021.
Image: Frank Rothwell has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean. Pic: Alzheimer's Research UK

Mr Rothwell said: "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 heart-breaking 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."

File handout photo dated 06/02/21 issued by Alzheimers Research UK of Frank Rothwell, 70, from Oldham who has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean Ð raising more than £640,000 for dementia research crossing the finishing line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in Antigua. Picture date: Sunday February 7, 2021.
Image: The journey began at Canary Island La Gomera on 12 December and Mr Rothwell crossed the finish line in Antigua in the Caribbean on 6 February. Pic: Alzheimer's Research UK

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

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

Sir Malcolm Walker. Iceland Foods founder, said: "I've known Frank for many years, so I knew his determination to complete a challenge would get him this far. But seeing the heart-warming and generous support he's receiving from the public is astounding."

File handout photo dated 06/02/21 issued by Alzheimers Research UK of Frank Rothwell, 70, from Oldham who has become the oldest person to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean Ð raising more than £640,000 for dementia research crossing the finishing line of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in Antigua. Picture date: Sunday February 7, 2021.
Image: Mr Rothwell said the fundraiser was a tribute to his brother-in-law Roger, who died with Alzheimer's aged 62 during his row. Pic: Alzheimer's Research UK

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We're incredibly moved by Frank's determination to raise £1 million 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 provides a crucial lifeline to the progression of our research"

Donate to Mr Rothwell via his JustGiving page.