Bear Grylls Island survivor Frank to row the Atlantic solo for dementia research

Star of ‘The Island with Bear Grylls’, Frank Rothwell, will be embarking on the biggest challenge of his life at 70 years old, when he attempts to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean solo.

Frank, from Oldham, will be taking on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge later this year and hopes to become the oldest person to complete it solo. 

He will cast off from the Canary Islands in December, with the hope of reaching Antigua, and reuniting with his wife of 50 years, Judith, the following Valentine’s Day.

Frank, who turned 70 this week, is taking on the treacherous row for Alzheimer's Research UK.

He aims to raise £1million for the charity – the largest amount ever raised by a single rower in the challenge – after witnessing the devastating impact of dementia.

During his gruelling expedition, Frank will spend his days switching between two hours of rowing and two hours of sleeping, while living off freeze-dried food.

Frank, who has survived prostate cancer, has been training on a rowing machine during the COVID-19 lockdown, but he’s now able to row in the open water.

He says the biggest challenge of all will be being away from Judith.

This isn’t Frank’s first adventure.

He previously spent five weeks on a deserted island for the Channel 4 programme, 'The Island with Bear Grylls'.

Before that, Frank was only the 10th person to ever circumnavigate North and South America by boat.

The businessman is self-funding the whole trip, so all money raised will go to Alzheimer's Research UK.

There are almost one million people in the UK living with dementia, yet no treatments to slow, stop or prevent the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause it.

The charity’s mission is 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%, meaning Frank’s fundraising will offer a vital lifeline to dementia research.

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, a long-term supporter of Alzheimer's Research UK, will be match-funding the first £500,000 worth of donations.

Frank, who is a father of two and grandfather of three, said: “Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean solo, and unsupported, is the biggest challenge I can imagine without taking on too much risk or endangering others.

"It makes all the other things I have done seem like a walk in the park! My biggest individual challenge is going to be loneliness and missing my darling wife Judith.

"I will also miss a proper steak.

"It will be tough, but my motto is 'you're never too old!'”

Speaking about why he’s taking on the challenge, Frank added: “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.

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

"By investing now in Alzheimer’s Research UK, we can do something to eradicate this terrible condition for our children and grandchildren.

"So, I’d be grateful to anyone who is able to support.”

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: “We’re in awe of Frank for taking on this enormous challenge for Alzheimer's Research UK.

"Rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic solo is a daunting prospect for anyone, but Frank’s enthusiasm and energy should inspire all of us to not let anything hold us back.

"We wish him the best of luck and can’t wait to hear his updates from the Atlantic!”

Donate to Frank’s fundraising challenge here

Adventurer Frank will be taking on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge later this year.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.