Oldest man to row Atlantic solo raises thousands for Alzheimer's Research UK

Frank Rothwell, 73, Chair of Oldham Athletic A.F.C., completed the World's Toughest Row for the second time and has raised over £260,000. He has beaten his own Guinness World Record as the ‘Oldest person to row across the Atlantic.'

73-year-old Frank Rothwell crossed the finish line in Antigua after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 64 days, 7 hours, and 53 minutes, as part of the World’s Toughest Row – where he was reunited with his wife of 53 years, Judith, and family. 

The grandfather from Oldham set off from La Gomera on 13 December 2023 with the aim of raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK. So far, he has raised over £260,000 and counting. This is on top of the £1.1 million he raised for the charity the first time he completed the challenge. 

“Completing the 3,000-mile race – what a feeling! To be back with my soulmate of 53 years after two months is special.

 “Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean on my own has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot! A year ago, I was deciding whether to take on this epic row for the second time, but I knew I would regret not taking the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK. We all want to help make a difference in the world, and I’ve found something I can do,” Frank said.

This is a cause close to Frank’s heart, having lost his brother-in-law and best friend to the condition. Frank entirely self-funded the trip, so all money raised will fund life-changing dementia research.

Frank is the 2021 and 2024 Guinness World Record holder of the title ‘Oldest person to row across the Atlantic’. 

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK strives to find a cure by revolutionising how dementia is treated, diagnosed, and prevented. Frank named his boat ‘For A Cure’ to reflect the charity’s mission.

Emma Whitcombe, Deputy Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“From everyone here at Alzheimer’s Research UK, we congratulate Frank on his successful crossing of the Atlantic and new record. 

 “Throughout the 3,000-mile race, Frank overcame the challenges of the ocean, and we are in awe of his determination to complete this adventure. We are incredibly moved by Frank’s efforts to raise vital awareness and support our search for a cure. 

 “Frank’s support has never been more important. Dementia affects almost one million people in the UK, and tragically, not one of them will survive. We urgently need to change this. New treatments for people in the UK are on the horizon, but there’s still much more work for us to do to change lives. The generosity and kindness of people like Frank and his supporters will take us one step closer to a cure. Thank you. 

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, a long-term partner of the charity, generously match-funded the first £100,000 donations made to Frank’s JustGiving page.  

“I had so many wonderful messages from friends, relatives, and supporters cheering me on throughout the race. Every single person was wishing me well and rooting for me. You can’t beat that feeling. Thank you for your support and donations and for helping me raise awareness for dementia research. It means the world to me.”

“We would also like to thank our long-term partners, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, for supporting Frank’s fundraising with match-funding.”

 Richard Walker, Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador, Chairman of the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation and Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, said:

“Congratulations to Frank on yet another brilliant achievement. Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for the second time at 73 years old is no small feat. Frank’s spirit and determination to make a difference are truly inspiring.

 “Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation was proud to support Frank’s fantastic fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and we’re pleased to match the full £100,000 of donations made.” 

*To donate to Frank’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit Frank Rothwell’s World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge 2023 - JustGiving