Frank Rothwell: Oldest solo Atlantic rower gets award from PM

Frank Rothwell said the award filled him with pride

The oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean for charity has been given a Points of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Frank Rothwell, 73, completed his second solo Canary Islands to Antigua row last month.

The award is for his "outstanding" fundraising after raising more than £1.4m for Alzheimer's Research UK.

The Oldham Athletic chairman said he was "truly honoured".

The Prime Minister awards the Points of Light every week day to an "outstanding individual volunteer, charity leader or community champion".

Mr Rothwell said the award was "something beyond my wildest dreams and it fills me with pride".

He added: "I am truly honoured."

Mr Rothwell completed his latest World's Toughest Row on 15 February despite falling asleep and briefly drifting off course.

When he crossed the line he set the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean and also the oldest person to row solo across any ocean.

Mr Rothwell, who bought Oldham Athletic in July 2022, said the charity he was raising money for was close to his heart after his brother-in-law died with Alzheimer's aged 62, as well as his best friend.

"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.

He said: "I can't believe we've raised over £1.4m across both rows to support Alzheimer's Research UK's search for a cure. It's incredible."