Ex-England cricket captain Vaughan to host virtual event with Oldham hero Frank ahead of epic Atlantic adventure

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Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan will host a free virtual Q&A with 70-year-old Oldham hero Frank Rothwell before he sets off on a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Adventurer Frank is hoping to be crowned the oldest person to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, when he casts off from La Gomera on December 12.

He hopes to reach the finish line in Antigua two months later, reuniting with his wife of 50 years, Judith.

Ahead of the race, Frank is inviting the public to join him in conversation as part of a virtual event next Tuesday, December 8, at 7pm.

He will hold a live Q&A, hosted by one of the most successful England cricket captains of this generation, Michael Vaughan.

Frank will be tuning in from the start line in La Gomera, answering questions from the public about his adventure.

Frank is taking on the challenge with the hope of raising £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK, after witnessing the devastating impact of dementia.

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

Keen to answer questions, Frank is encouraging people to register their interest and submit anything they’d like to ask about the challenge or his chosen charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK.

As well as giving him some extra encouragement before he starts his row, Frank hopes the virtual Q&A will encourage people to donate through his JustGiving page by discussing the urgent need for more investment in dementia research with the audience.

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 had predicted a loss of income, meaning Frank’s fundraising will offer a vital lifeline to dementia research.

Former England star Vaughan, who will join the virtual event from the UK, said: “Like so many others, I was inspired by Frank’s story and wanted to do what I could to support him on his quest.

"He’s chosen to take on a challenge most people wouldn’t even dream of, and he’s giving every penny to a cause close to many people’s hearts.

"By supporting heroes like Frank, and coming together to help charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK, we really can make a difference to people's lives.

"I’d like to thank Frank for letting me join his Q&A event, and I can’t wait to find out more about him and see more of his personality.

"Let’s give Frank the send-off he deserves!”

Frank said: “When I first heard about the challenge, I was far too excited about the idea and I couldn’t sleep!

"That was 18 months ago now, and I can’t believe it’s almost time for me to say my last goodbyes and set off from the start line.

"I have enjoyed preparing for the race so far, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

"When people ask me about it, they can’t believe what I’m about to do, and neither can I!

“I’m so glad to be able to host this virtual event.

"Seeing lots of people at the virtual event will give me a much-needed boost, something that hasn’t been easy to find this year.

"And it will be a great opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work of Alzheimer's Research UK, which is why I’m doing this row.

"I’m also hoping my story will inspire others to take on the challenges they want to do, and I want to prove that you’re never too old!”

Register your interest for next Tuesday's event here: https://alzres.uk/frank-registration

You can donate to Frank’s fundraising challenge here

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