Frank Rothwell still in ship-shape at 70

Frank Rothwell still in ship-shape at 70

When 70 year old, adventure seeking pensioner, Frank Rothwell got the news that his brother in law had been diagnosed with dementia, he decided he had to do something to help those affected by the disease in the future.

A keen thrill seeker, having undertaken many challenges throughout his life, including The Island with Bear Grylls, Frank decided to start 18 months of gruelling training in order to get ship-shape for a single handed row across the Atlantic ocean, all to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.


On 12th December 2020, Frank began his mammoth row from La Gomera in Spain, arriving 8 weeks later, on February 6th, 3,000 miles away in Antigua.

His epic row raised over £1 million from 10,000 donations, including a whopping £500,000 from Iceland Food’s Charitable Foundation, all to fund future research into Alzheimer’s disease.

Speaking of his accomplishment Frank said, “I am on cloud nine! I set out in December wishing to raise £1 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK but I never thought I’d actually achieve it. The challenge was incredibly tough at times, with rough seas, huge waves, and missing my wife, Judith. But as exhausting as it was, it was all totally worth it.”

A spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Research UK commented, “This incredible amount will be of huge benefit to the groundbreaking research we carry out here at Alzheimer’s Research UK, as we continue our mission to bring about life-changing treatments for people affected by dementia.”

Very sadly, Frank’s brother in law, Roger, passed away during his crossing.

Article by Sally White
Ablyss Co Founder

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