Hero Frank is half way to success

Oldham’s hero grandad Frank Rothwell has passed the halfway mark in his solo 3,000 mile Atlantic row, with donations now reaching £600,000 towards his remarkable target of raising £1million for Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

Frank began his epic journey from La Gomera as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on December 12.

The 70-year-old hopes to be the oldest person to complete the challenge. 

Currently, he's spent over 38 days at sea, rowing 1,387 nautical miles, with approximately 28 more days and 1,386 nautical miles left to row on his boat - you're 'Never Too Old'.

The £600,000 in donations means he has raised more than any other participant in the challenge.

The supporters' generous contributions, and Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation’s doubling of donations of up to £500,000, means Frank now has under £200,000 left to hit his £1 million target.

He is battling harsh weather, but he is confident the second half should be easier than the first, as the weather picks up and the wind direction changes. 

Frank’s been enjoying some of the wildlife he’s spotted along the way, including a Minke whale, a school of 200-300 dolphins, and an exhausted bird that made a quick pitstop on his boat for food and rest.

After spending Christmas away from his wife, Judith, his “best mate” of 50 years, Frank is looking forward to getting back in time for Valentine's Day for a romantic reunion after spending over 60 days at sea.

However, Judith may have other ideas as she’s prepared a list of jobs for Frank to get stuck into at home in an attempt to keep him from going on any further adventures.

Frank is no stranger to a challenge.

Previous expeditions include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, sailing South America, and being left to brave the elements for Channel 4’s The Island with Bear Grylls.

Speaking about his milestones, he said: “Although everything aches a bit, it’s all been worth it. 

"I’ve seen some great sea life, experienced some rough weather conditions, and had a lot of time with my own thoughts, something our busy lifestyles don’t always allow time for.

"But I’m really starting to miss all the home comforts and all I can think about is eating a proper steak dinner - I’m sick of freeze-dried macaroni cheese!

“When I signed up for the challenge, I knew it would be tough.

"But now I’m halfway through it, I can safely say it’s just as hard mentally as it is physically.

"Rowing for the charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, has been my main motivation for crossing the finish line. 

“I’m getting hundreds of messages from people, and sadly most of them have donated because dementia has impacted their life in some way.

"As time goes on, I’ve realised it’s not just the charity I’m rowing for, it’s the people who have reached into their pockets and donated to get me across.

"I’ve got a lot of people counting on me and I want to do them proud!”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Frank has done exceptionally well to have made it halfway across the Atlantic Ocean at 70 years old, and is inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to start their own fundraising challenges.  

‘This hugely beneficial amount will help to fund crucial dementia research taking place right now.

"With the generous doubling of donations from Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, and still halfway to go until he completes his journey, we’re incredibly thankful to Frank for doing so much to support Alzheimer’s Research UK during this time. 

“We’ wish him the best of luck with the second half of his expedition and we’ll be watching his progress every row of the way.”

Sir Malcolm Walker, Founder and Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, said: “I’ve known Frank for many years, so I knew his determination to complete a challenge would get him this far.

"Seeing the heart-warming and generous support he’s receiving from the public is astounding.

“It’s been a tough 12 months, to say the least, but it’s people like Frank who restore our faith in community spirit and bring some joy into our newsfeed. 

“Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation is very proud of what Frank has achieved so far and honoured to double every donation of up to £500,000 to dementia research.

"We look forward to seeing Frank reach his £1million target in time for his arrival in Antigua!”

Donations can be made to Frank’s fundraising challenge here

---

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.