EPIC oarsman Frank Rothwell is currently halfway across the Atlantic Ocean and more than halfway to raising £1million for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The Saddleworth businessman started his epic 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on December 12.
The 70-year-old from Greenfield hopes to be the oldest person to complete the challenge.
Frank, owner of Manchester Cabins, has currently spent more than 40 days at sea in his boat, Never Too Old, rowing around 1,400 nautical miles.
As well as reaching this milestone, Frank has now raised more money than any other participant in the challenge-£600,000.
Thanks to the generous contribution from supporters, and Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation’s doubling of donations of up to £500,000, Frank now has under £200,000 left to hit his £1 million target.
Harsh weather conditions have been difficult for Frank to push through over the last few weeks.
But he’s confident the second half should be easier than the first, as the weather picks up and the wind direction changes.
Rowers usually adopt a two-hour on, two-hour off rowing method but Frank has been listening to his body and rows intuitively.
Frank has been managing to get a full eight hours kip a night, although broken at times due to the crashing onboard of flying fish.
Other wildlife he has spotted along the way includes a Minke whale, a school of 200-300 dolphins, and an exhausted bird that made a quick pitstop on the boat for food and rest.
Experts recommend rowers consume around 6,000 calories per day but Frank can only stomach up to 4,000 calories.
The freeze-dried diet Frank tucks into every day includes a readymade macaroni cheese-something he never wants to eat again!
Frank hopes to make it back in time for Valentine’s Day for a romantic reunion with wife Judith.
However, Judith has prepared a list of jobs for him to get stuck into at home in an attempt to keep him from going on any further adventures.
Frank says of his nautical adventure said: “Although everything aches a bit, it’s all been worth it.
“So far, I’ve seen some great sea life, experienced some rough weather conditions, and had a lot of time with my own thoughts, something our busy lifestyles don’t always allow time for.
“But I’m really starting to miss all the home comforts and all I can think about is eating a proper steak dinner.
“When I signed up for the challenge, I knew it would be tough. But now I’m halfway through it, I can safely say it’s just as hard mentally as it is physically.
“Rowing for the charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, has been my main motivation for crossing the finish line.
“I’m getting hundreds of messages from people up and down the country.
“Most have donated because dementia has sadly impacted their life in some way.
“As time goes on, I’ve realised it’s not just the charity I’m rowing for, it’s the people who have reached into their pockets and donated to get me across.
“I’ve got a lot of people counting on me and I want to do them proud!”
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Frank is inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to start their own fundraising challenges.
“With the generous doubling of donations from Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, and still halfway to go until he completes his journey, we’re incredibly thankful to Frank for doing so much to support Alzheimer’s Research UK during this time.
Sir Malcolm Walker, Founder and Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods said: “I’ve known Frank for many years, so I knew his determination to complete a challenge would get him this far.
“But seeing the heart-warming and generous support he’s receiving from the public is astounding.”
Donations can be made to Frank’s fundraising challenge, here: www.justgiving.com/frankrothwell