Oldham Athletics' Frank Rothwell shares hopeful message from rowboat in the mid-Atlantic
07.01.2024 - 11:49
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
If you think you have had a wet and stormy week, spare a thought for the 73-year-old Oldham Athletic owner who is currently attempting to row his way over the Atlantic Ocean while being buffeted by wind and waves. But, despite everything, thrill-seeker Frank Rothwell remains in good spirits.
Around 1100 miles into his mammoth 3000-mile journey, Frank has raised almost £250,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK, from more than 1700 individual donations, as well as fundraisers held by supporters and a hefty matched donation from Iceland Foods. Joining other
Frank has led a charmed existence later in life, first spending five weeks starving and grafting on Bear Grylls' The Island in 2017, before purchasing the then-failing Oldham Athletic a couple of years later. After turning the club's fortunes around, the septuagenarian set his sights on yet another seemingly impossible challenge - becoming the oldest person to row across the vast Atlantic Ocean.
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Having completed the "Toughest Row" challenge, aged 70, raising more than £1 million for charity, three years later Frank decided to attempt the impossible again and beat his own record. Setting off on December 13, the football club chairman has spent the Christmas and New Year period far from home, being battered by the high seas.
A message from Frank was relayed while he was somewhere in the middle of the ocean separating him from friends and family. It said: "Wishing you all a Happy New Year from the Atlantic.
"I’m missing spending time with my family today, especially enjoying a posh meal with my granddaughter. Thank you all for supporting my Atlantic challenge and fundraising for