Hero Frank is finally reunited with his loving family after epic rowing challenge

Sixty-four gruelling days, seven hours and 53 minutes … and Frank Rothwell, the oldest man to row the Atlantic solo, has been reunited with Judith, his wife of 53 years, after completing the epic challenge for the second time.

Frank, aged 73, completed the World's Toughest Row for Alzheimer's Research UK, raising more than £282,000 so far.

Last night, Thursday, he crossed the finish line in Antigua after rowing 3,000-miles across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row to be reunited with his family.

And hero Frank, Chairman and co-owner of Latics, has bettered his own Guinness World Record as the ‘Oldest person to row across the Atlantic’, which he first set in 2021.

Earlier an X page post read: "Some of you may have noticed Frank is off course.

"His family had a very emotional morning trying to make contact with him, but his son has just been in contact to let us know that Frank is fine and was asleep.”

Frank set off from Oldham to La Gomera on December 13 last year, with the aim of raising money and awareness for Alzheimers Research UK, having raised £1.1 million for the charity the first time he completed the challenge.

This is a cause close to Frank’s heart, having lost his brother-in-law and best friend to the condition.

The trip was entirely self-funded by Frank, so all money raised will fund life-changing dementia research.

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.

Frank said: “Rowing across the Atlantic on my own has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot!

“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.”

Emma Whitcombe, Deputy Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research, said: “Over the course of 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.

“His 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.

"It’s the generosity and kindness from people like Frank and his supporters that will take us one step closer to a cure. Thank you.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to 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 for the second time, at 73-years-old, is no small feat.

"Frank’s spirit and determination to make a difference is 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.”

Latics CEO Darren Royle said: “Frank’s achievements in completing this extraordinary feat are a true inspiration to us all.

“We are hugely privileged to have a person of such conviction and bravery as our chairman, and everyone connected to Oldham Athletic and the community we serve are immensely proud of his accomplishments.

“The remarkable levels of dedication, resilience and fortitude Frank has shown during this challenge are a measure of his enormous qualities as a person.

“Since setting off in December, he has had to overcome the sort of adversity he has never faced before, and in doing so he has won the hearts of many people at home and abroad.

“By raising considerable funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Frank has provided significant support to cause that means so much to him and his contribution towards the overall mission of finding a cure is worthy of the utmost admiration.”

To donate to Frank’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit the JustGiving page here

You can also tune in to Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm/DAB/Device/Online for updates.

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