Greater Manchester football club chair prepares for 3,000 charity Atlantic row- with aim to raise £1 million

The chair of a Greater Manchester football club is now just weeks away from his second charity row across the Atlantic. Frank Rothwell has set himself the target of raising £1 million for Alzheimer's Research UK. 

Frank, who took over the reins at Oldham Athletic last year, first rowed across the Atlantic in the Worlds Toughest Row in 2020/21. It was during the race that he heard the heartbreaking news of the death of his brother-in-law to Alzheimers. 

The route will see Frank join other participants in leaving from San Sebastian off the coast of Africa. The race finishes, 3,000 miles away, in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. At the age of 73, Frank will break is own record for the oldest person to complete the race.

Speaking after his last training session, Frank said: “Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages of support and donated so far. I can’t believe how much money has already been raised – and I haven’t even set off yet!

“I’m also incredibly grateful to Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation for their pledge of match-funding the first £100,000 of donations made to my JustGiving page. It means so much to me and Alzheimer’s Research UK and their mission to find a cure for dementia.” 

Lucy Squance, Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are in ‘oar’ of Frank and incredibly grateful to see he’s taking on this challenge for Alzheimer’s Research UK for the second time, all at the age of 73! Rowing solo across 3,000-miles of the Atlantic is a daunting feat for anyone. However, Frank’s enthusiasm and boundless energy is an inspiration to us all, encouraging us to live our lives without regrets.

“If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. The £1 million that Frank aims to raise will be transformational in our search for a cure.”

Frank sets off on his journey on December 12. To donate, visit the JustGiving page.