Businessman and chairman of Oldham Athletic Frank Rothwell has been recognised as a ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister for his fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

First established in the US by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, Points of Light was developed and launched in the UK in 2014 and sees an individual volunteer recognised every weekday for their efforts in making a change to their community.

Today (March 14), Rothwell has been named as the 2,291st recipient of the award by Rishi Sunak, having completed his second solo row across the Atlantic Ocean for the UK’s leading dementia research charity.  

The 73-year-old grandfather first showed support for Alzheimer's Research UK in 2020, when he took on a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic, raising £1.1million, including £500,000 match-funding from Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation.

Rothwell took on the challenge for the second time in December 2023 and crossed the finish line on February 15 after 64 days at sea, breaking his own Guinness World Record as the oldest person to row across the Atlantic and becoming the oldest person to row any ocean solo. 

So far, he has raised over £373,000 for this attempt, bringing his combined total raised to over £1.4 million.

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Dementia research is a cause close to Rothwell's heart, having lost his brother-in-law and best friend to the condition, and he has been determined to raise awareness of the growing impact of dementia on society.

Frank named his boat ‘For A Cure’, to reflect Alzheimer's Research UK's mission to find a cure by revolutionising the way dementia is treated, diagnosed, and prevented.

Rothwell, said: “To be recognised as a Point of Light is something beyond my wildest dreams and it fills me with pride. I am truly honoured, thank you.

“Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, solo, four years ago was, at the time, the hardest challenge I had ever taken on. But, like so many people, I have been affected by dementia and seen the heartbreak it causes.

"So, I decided to take on the challenge for the second time, in memory of my best friend Phil and brother-in-law Roger, determined to help make a difference for others. I can’t believe we’ve raised over £1.4 million across both rows to support Alzheimer’s Research UK’s search for a cure – it’s incredible.”

Lucy Squance, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Huge congratulations to Frank on his well-deserved Point of Light award. Everyone here at Alzheimer’s Research UK is thrilled he is being recognised in this way for his outstanding fundraising efforts for dementia research.

"Frank and so many wonderful supporters are helping us change the ending for people affected by dementia, and we’re so grateful to have them by our side. 

“Thank you, Frank, for standing with us for a cure and thank you to the Prime Minister for this recognition for Frank’s fantastic support.”