Greenfield grandfather takes to the high seas

Brave Frank Rothwell has begun his 3,000 mile rowing trip across the Atlantic this weekend.

Frank, 70, from Greenfield, is one of 21 teams taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge but he hopes to become the oldest person to complete it solo. 

Frank cast off from La Gomera in the Canaries at 10.30am on Saturday morning (12 December).

He will be rowing over Christmas and aims to reach Antigua, and reuniting with his wife of 50 years, Judith, on Valentine’s Day (14 February).

After witnessing the devastating impact of dementia, Frank’s goal is to raise £1 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

To help his quest, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has agreed to match-fund the first £500,000 worth of donations. 

Frank, who is a father of two and grandfather of three, said: “Rowing the Atlantic unsupervised is the biggest challenge I can take on.

“I have done months of gruelling training so I’m all fired up, feeling well and as fit as any 70-year-old bloke can be.”

Frank added: “Unfortunately, charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK are going through a very difficult time during this pandemic. I believe we can help them find life-changing treatments and eradicate this terrible condition for our children and grandchildren. So, I’d be grateful to anyone who can support me.”

Frank already has the support of England cricket legend Michael Vaughan, who tweeted: 

Good luck Frank .. 👍👍👍 https://t.co/U5l4dETPf2

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 12, 2020

Frank has already raised over £430,000 and you can donate to Frank’s fundraising challenge at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/frankrothwell  

You can also follow his progress on Facebook, Twitter and his website.