Elderly man navigates Atlantic solo in a rowboat
70-Year-Old Frank Rothwell Completes Unaccompanied Atlantic Rowing Challenge
In a remarkable feat of endurance and resilience, 70-year-old Frank Rothwell from Oldham, England, has successfully rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. This makes him the oldest person to have made an unaccompanied Atlantic crossing.
Rothwell embarked on his journey from the Canary Island of La Gomera in mid-December and arrived in Antigua in the Caribbean on Saturday. The distance he rowed was over 4,800 kilometers, a journey that took nearly two months to complete.
Rothwell's motivation for the crossing was deeply personal. His brother-in-law, Roger, passed away during a rowing trip, and this crossing served as a tribute to him. Throughout his journey, Rothwell received heartbreaking messages from people with similar experiences, particularly those who had been affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Rothwell's efforts were not just about personal achievement. He raised an impressive £640,000 in donations for Alzheimer's Research UK during his crossing. The organization has reported on his journey, praising his dedication and the impact his fundraising will have on Alzheimer's research.
Upon his arrival, Rothwell described the moment as "a completely euphoric moment". He hopes that his crossing has been able to help other families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Rothwell's athletic ventures, including this Atlantic crossing, are not just about personal achievement. He uses them to support Alzheimer's charity work, leveraging his profile in sports and business to raise awareness and funds for the cause. This dual impact - contributing to human-power ocean rowing history and meaningful charitable outcomes - is a testament to Rothwell's commitment to both athletic and philanthropic goals.
[1] Alzheimer's Research UK reports on Frank Rothwell's crossing. (2024, February 5). Retrieved from https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/frank-rothwell-atlantic-crossing
[4] Rothwell, F. (2024, February 5). Frank Rothwell's Atlantic crossing raises over £600,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK. Retrieved from https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/frank-rothwell-atlantic-crossing-raises-over-600000-for-alzheimers-research-uk/
- Frank Rothwell's remarkable achievement in rowing across the Atlantic Ocean at the age of 70 showcases the potential for health-and-wellness, especially in the context of aging.
- The sports analysis of Frank Rothwell's unaccompanied Atlantic rowing challenge reveals the importance of science and human resilience in noteworthy endurance feats.
- In the wake of his successful Atlantic crossing, Frank Rothwell continues to combine his passion for sports with advocacy for Alzheimer's research and health, fostering a connection between the two realms.
