We are delighted to have donated £2,000 to support the incredible Frank Rothwell in his second epic journey rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic solo.
Frank, owner of Manchester Cabins and local football team Oldham Athletic, is rowing single-handed from the Canary Islands to Antigua, embarking on his daring adventure to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK… at the age of 73!
He is one of 11 solo rowers and 87 teams taking part in the World's Toughest Row and is aiming to become the oldest person to cross the Atlantic solo - a record he already holds after completing the challenge at the age of 70 in 2021.
On that occasion, he finished in 56 days and was hoping to arrive in 49 this time - although two capsizes in rough seas early on in the race have put a question mark over that particular achievement.
Frank, who had open heart surgery last year, says he is 'not frightened of anything except getting dementia'.
He is raising money in honour of his brother-in-law and a close friend, who have both died from the disease.
Figures from Alzheimer's Research UK show that one million people are living with dementia today. None will survive.
And if nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia - either by developing the condition ourselves, caring for someone with it, or both.
Kenika Gumbs, our Assistant Marketing Manager, says: "By supporting Frank's extraordinary mission, we are not only contributing to a remarkable individual's dream but also making a meaningful impact on Alzheimer's Research UK on aiming to find a cure for dementia.
"Frank wants to stop dementia from robbing us of everything that matters. Together, we can create a brighter future. Join us in cheering for Frank as he conquers the mighty Atlantic for a good cause!"
Speaking about capsizing via satellite phone to the Daily Mail, Frank said: "The first time I was on the phone to my daughter Su.
"I was inside having battened down and when it happened it felt like being in a washing machine, everything went flying. There were Mars bars everywhere and all my emergency alarms were bleeping."
His boat, named For A Cure, righted itself and with the waters appearing to calm, Frank then went outside to set up what is known as a storm jib - a small sail which helps to keep the boat stable in turbulent conditions. However, while he was working on setting that up, another giant wave hit and this time he was dumped into the sea. "Fortunately, I'm always clipped onto the boat," he said. "If I hadn't been I would have been a goner. The boat was on its side, and I managed to swim over, correct it and get back on."
If you'd like to join us in donating to Frank's challenge, please visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/frankrothwell
And you can follow his progress via Frank Rothwell's Atlantic Challenge 2023 on his social media channels:
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