Double award joy for intrepid yachtsman Frank

ACHIEVEMENT . . . explorer Frank Rothwell with his two awards alongside Chronicle editor, David Whaley

AN EXPLORER who overcame cancer to complete a voyage to the polar ice caps has won two prestigious awards for his bravery.

Hollinwood businessman, Frank Rothwell, has been handed the gongs after overcoming serious health problems that almost ended his dream of completing a 20,000-mile epic sailing trip.

Globetrotting Frank (62), who finally completed the voyage earlier this year, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and a kidney stone during his journey.

Now he has been honoured for his achievements at a ceremony in Scotland, where he was handed the Ewing Trophy by the Royal Western Yacht Club.

He said: “It’s a huge honour to get the award, I was not expecting it at all. I thought I’d just been invited up the club in Scotland to give a talk.

“It feels great, I feel almost like a celebrity. It’s good to be acknowledged for something I did for my own personal achievements. I’m not sure yet if I’ll be doing any other trips - this one was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.”

Mr Rothwell also received the the Polar Bear of the Year prize from boat manufacturer Nauticat of Finland, handed over by Chronicle editor David Whaley.

Frank navigated the dangerous North-West Passage through the Arctic Ocean - achieved by fewer than 100 small boats.

Health problems caused several setbacks before his voyage could be completed. Then their craft — a specially-built 50ft yacht - faced a long wait for the ice to recede.

Now he is determined to help others with cancer and is using his experiences to raise charity cash.



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