Chair of Oldham Athletic begins 3,000-mile row across Atlantic for Alzheimer’s Research UK

On Wednesday (13 December 2023) Frank Rothwell began his 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row.

Aiming to raise £1 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Frank has named his boat ‘For A Cure’ to reflect the charity’s mission - to accelerate progress towards a cure - a cause close to his heart.

Wrexham A.F.C. owners and Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have voiced their support for Frank and his fundraising with a message and donation to his JustGiving page. Their generous donation has taken the amount raised so far to over £84,000. 

This will be the second time Frank has taken on this challenge, having completed it in 56 days in 2021. This time, the 73-year-old aims to complete the race across the world’s second largest ocean, from La Gomera to Antigua, in 49 days.

Frank is one of 10 solo rowers taking part in the Atlantic race, with 39 teams competing in total. In addition to his training with the boat, Frank has spent the last few months building his arm and leg strength, which will help him meet his goal of rowing for four hours at a time. Frank has taken 140kg of food on board and will be living off sachets of dehydrated meals, mixed with water, 25kg of nuts, and turkey and stuffing crisps to enjoy on Christmas Day.

The Chair of Oldham Athletic A.F.C. is self-funding the whole trip, so all money raised will fund life-changing dementia research. Right now, there are almost one million people in the UK living with dementia. And there are no treatments yet available in the UK to slow, stop or prevent the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause it. The charity funds scientific research to revolutionise how dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented, to change the lives of everyone affected by the condition.

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

Frank Rothwell said:

“This is a cause close to my heart. I’ve lost two people to dementia and it’s a heartbreaking condition. Earlier this year, my best mate, Phil, passed away with Alzheimer’s. We did so much together, and he was a bloke I loved and respected. It was terrible to see him deteriorate so quickly. When the rowing gets tough and I’m missing my wife, Judith, and home, I’ll think about Phil. That’s what will motivate me to keep going.

“It will be hard being away from home at Christmas and New Year, and I’ll miss family traditions while I’m away. I had to keep the boat light, so I couldn’t take any Christmas presents with me. But the best gift to receive as a father and grandfather is a homemade card, which I’m looking forward to reading on Christmas Day.

“Thank you to everyone for your generous donations and messages of support so far. It is my hope that, together, we can raise £1 million to help Alzheimer’s Research UK find a cure for dementia and end the heartbreak it causes. See you in Antigua!”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“On behalf of everyone here at Alzheimer’s Research UK, we want to send our best wishes to Frank for his Atlantic crossing.

“We’re so grateful for Frank’s dedication to our cause, and the generous donations made to his JustGiving page. It’s the courage and kindness from ordinary people like Frank and his supporters who will take us one step closer to a world free from the fear, harm, and heartbreak of dementia.

“We’re hugely excited to be able to follow your latest adventure, Frank, and we look forward to your Atlantic updates.”

Donate to Frank’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK here: Frank Rothwell’s World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge 2023 - JustGiving