Oldest man to do Atlantic Challenge row aims to beat own record

The oldest man to have completed the World's Toughest Row across the Atlantic has said he "can't wait" to do it again three years on.

Oldham Athletic Chairman Frank Rothwell is attempting to repeat the Canary Islands to Antigua row to raise another £1m for Alzheimer's Research UK.

The 73-year-old, who had open heart surgery last year, said he was "not frightened of anything except getting dementia".

He sets off on 12 December.

"This time I'm doing it for a cure and I've changed the name of the boat to For A Cure," he said.

Mr Rothwell, who bought financially-challenged Oldham Athletic last year, said the charity was close to his heart as his brother-in-law died with Alzheimer's aged 62.

He also lost his best friend to the disease earlier this year.

Mr Rothwell said he was not daunted by the challenge but excited to do it so he could "make a difference" for the charity.

"I'm a big believer in living life with no regrets, which is why I want to race again this year, he told BBC North West Tonight.

"I just can't wait to get out there. I'm like a kid going on his holidays.

"I'm not frightened of anything except getting dementia."

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said it was "in awe" of Mr Rothwell after he decided to race for a second time for the charity, especially after raising a "phenomenal amount of money" the first time.

"Since Frank's last row, there has been incredible progress in dementia research, with two new drugs for Alzheimer's disease proving successful," she said.

"But this is only just the beginning. At Alzheimer's Research UK, we exist for a cure, so we can save everyone from the heartbreak of dementia."

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