Oldham Athletic owner and local businessman Frank Rothwell has praised hospital staff who cared for him as he underwent heart surgery last year.

Back in December, just weeks before Christmas, Rothwell, 72, was admitted to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital to undergo major heart surgery to repair a damaged aorta which was in danger of rupturing.

The procedure was a success and Rothwell said he is feeling well as he gears up for another major rowing challenge this year.

Rothwell explained that his aorta should have been about 25mm, but tests showed that it was 49mm in diameter.

Due to his high blood pressure, Mr Omar Nawaytou, Consultant Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon, said surgery was urgently needed.

Rothwell said: "I was in Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for nine days and the care that I received from all the team was absolutely brilliant.

"The staff were so knowledgeable and professional, and they were always on hand to check I was ok."

Rothwell's wife, Judith, was able to stay in accommodation on site, meaning she did not have to travel back to Oldham each day, which Rothwell said made "a big difference" to him.

The founder of Manchester Cabins said: "Since being discharged, my recovery has gone from strength and strength – probably quicker than I thought.

"I’ve been walking a hilly one-mile circuit from my house every day and each time, I can feel myself getting fitter and stronger.

"Not only does it mean I can continue one of my big passions in life, which is building my very own steam engine, but it also means I’m one step closer to my next ocean challenge."

On December 12 this year, Rothwell plans to take on the 3,000-mile solo Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, an annual race known as ‘the world's toughest row’, which sees teams and individuals row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard on Antigua.

Rothwell said: "I’m so grateful to Mr Nawaytou and all the brilliant team at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital who gave me such good care and who have made it possible for me to fulfil this next big ambition."