Oldham Athletic's chairman has received a top accolade after completing a gruelling rowing challenge for dementia research and raised more than £1m for the charity.

In December 2020, Frank Rothwell, then aged 70, embarked on a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of a cause close to his heart.

Frank took up sailing at age 40 and decided to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK after seeing his brother-in-law, Roger, suffer from the disease.

While at sea, Frank received the devastating news that Roger had died but he remained determined and his boat, "Never Too Old", crossed the finish line in Antigua on Saturday, February 6 to end the 56-day adventure.

 

Dubbed the "world's toughest row", Frank finished the challenge on his own and even picked up a Guinness World Record for the "oldest person to row across the Atlantic". 

Frank's efforts even raised £1.1m to go towards dementia research and after winning the 2021 Pride of Britain's "Fundraiser of the yeaY" award, he has now received a second award.

The now 72-year-old has been awarded the "outstanding commitment" award in Alzheimer's Research UK's inaugural support awards which is given to the charity's most dedicated fundraisers and volunteers who play a vital role in helping to bring an end to the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia. 

The Oldham Times: Frank Rothwell picked up rowing when he was 40Frank Rothwell picked up rowing when he was 40 (Image: Frank Rothwell)

Frank said: “Since completing the row, I’ve had the most wonderful response from people across the country and in my hometown of Oldham.

“I’d like to thank Alzheimer’s Research UK for recognising my efforts with this award, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation for their generous match-funding, and everyone who supported my challenge in any way.”

The awards were hosted on the charity’s website to ensure as many people as possible were able to celebrate the nominees and winners.

Supporters were nominated in eight categories that display the variety of ways they get involved, with the awards judging panel selecting a winner in each.

The Oldham Times: The challenge meant Frank had to celebrate Christmas day at seaThe challenge meant Frank had to celebrate Christmas day at sea (Image: Frank Rothwell)

The ninth category recognised six exceptional individuals who have displayed outstanding commitment to the charity over a number of years.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It has been a great privilege to celebrate the incredible lengths our supporters go to in order to raise awareness and vital funds for dementia research.

"Without our supporters we would not be able to make the progress we are making in dementia research.

“There are nearly 1m people in the UK living with dementia.

"Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are one of society’s biggest medical challenges, but with research they can be overcome.

“We are so grateful to Frank and all of our incredible supporters for everything they are doing to help us make research breakthroughs that will keep people connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.”