Frank Rothwell, from Oldham, set off from the Canary Islands on 12 December in a boat nicknamed Never Too Old and reached Antigua on Saturday.
“While rowing, I received heart-breaking messages from people who have had similar experiences to my own, with my brother-in-law, Roger, so I hope I’ve helped other families in some way too,” he said.
In April, Guinness World Records and the Ocean Rowing Society confirmed 72-year-old Graham Walters, from Leicestershire, as the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic, despite being towed the final few miles to shore.
At 70, Mr Rothwell is the oldest person to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Mr Rothwell reached Antigua before his Valentine’s Day target and was reunited with Judith, his wife of 50 years.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia is linked to a decline in brain functioning but is not considered to be a natural part of ageing.
- It can affect the way people speak, think, feel and behave – as well as memory loss.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia in the UK and mainly affects those over the age of 65.
- There is no current cure for dementia but it can sometimes be slowed down with an early diagnosis, so the person can remain active and maintain their mental function for longer, while preparing for the future.
- Research show that more than 850,000 people have dementia in the UK, with numbers expected to rise to a million by 2025 as people live longer.
The charitable foundation of the supermarket firm Iceland Foods has pledged to double the first £500,000 of donations.
The company’s founder Sir Malcolm Walker said he had known Mr Rothwell for many years and “knew his determination”.
“But seeing the heart-warming and generous support he’s receiving from the public is astounding,” he added.
Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, added that Mr Rothwell’s attempt to raise £1m was a “crucial lifeline” for research efforts.
“By taking on such a monumental challenge at 70 years old, he has helped to spread awareness and inspired people of all ages to take on their own challenges,” she said.
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Great going sir
Congratulations Mr. Rothwell – very inspiring.
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