Club chairman, Frank Rothwell has now completed his row across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in Antigua earlier this evening.
Frank set off from the Canary Islands on 13 December 2023, being the last to depart of the 38 boats taking part, but after 64 days on the world’s second largest ocean, he’s now back on land.
Out of eleven rowers in the solo category, our chairman finished eighth, and is made even more impressive when you considering the 73-year-old kept up pace with much younger rowers just in front of him.
The 3,300-mile journey hasn’t been easy for Frank, within the first week he’d capsized twice and experined some of the toughest conditions he’s seen on the water.
But now he’s done it, having raised over £250,000 and counting, it’s a remarkable achievement for such a good cause, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
His reason for choosing Alzheimer’s Research UK?
“I’m not scared of many things, but I am scared of Alzheimer’s, and that’s why I want to do everything I can to help find a cure,” said Frank, just before setting off.
“A number of my friends have been diagnosed and some have sadly passed away from Alzheimer’s in recent years, that’s why it’s so important we find a cure.”
“Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean on my own has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot."
Latics CEO, Darren Royle had nothing but admiration for Frank as he crossed the finishing line.
“Frank’s achievements in completing this extraordinary feat are a true inspiration to us all.
“The remarkable levels of dedication, resilience and fortitude Frank has shown during this challenge are a measure of his enormous qualities as a person,” added Royle.
“Since setting off in December, he has had to overcome the sort of adversity he has never faced before, and in doing so he has won the hearts of many people at home and abroad.”
Donations can still be made here.
About Alzheimer's Research UK:
- Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
- Their vision is a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
- They fund life-changing research, influence government and policy-makers, and provide information for people affected by dementia.
- Their mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure for dementia, by revolutionising the way we treat, diagnose and prevent the condition.
- Since the charity was founded in 1992 they have invested more than £188m in dementia research, helping fuel drug discovery, improve diagnostics and further our understanding of the genetics of the condition.
- Last year they invested more than £28m in our charitable activities, including £23m in research.
