Oldham Athletic Chairman, Frank Rothwell, has won an award for his commitment to supporting life-changing dementia research.
The 72-year-old grandfather won an Outstanding Commitment award in Alzheimer’s Research UK’s inaugural supporter awards.
Dubbed ‘the world’s toughest row’, the then 70-year-old completed the 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean, solo. Frank completed the challenge in just 56 days, picking up a Guinness World Record for ‘Oldest person to row across the Atlantic’ and raising over £1.1 million for groundbreaking dementia research.
Frank’s decision to support Alzheimer’s Research UK came after witnessing the devastating impact of dementia in his own family. While at sea, Frank received heartbreaking news that sadly his brother-in-law, Roger, had passed away with Alzheimer’s at the age of 62. This news spurred Frank on to complete the challenge and get back to his loving family, capturing the hearts of the nation during a difficult period for many.
Frank said: “Since completing the row, I’ve had the most wonderful response from people across the country and in my hometown of Oldham. I’d like to thank Alzheimer’s Research UK for recognising my efforts with this award, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation for their generous match-funding, and everyone who supported my challenge in any way.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Supporter Awards shine a spotlight on some of the charity’s most dedicated fundraisers and volunteers, who play a vital role in helping to bring an end to the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
The awards were hosted on the charity’s website to ensure as many people as possible were able to celebrate the nominees and winners.
Supporters were nominated in eight categories that display the variety of ways they get involved, with the awards judging panel selecting a winner in each.
A ninth category recognised six exceptional individuals who have displayed outstanding commitment to the charity over a number of years.
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It has been a great privilege to celebrate the incredible lengths our supporters go to in order to raise awareness and vital funds for dementia research. Without our supporters we would not be able to make the progress we are making in dementia research.
“There are nearly 1 million people in the UK living with dementia. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are one of society’s biggest medical challenges, but with research they can be overcome.
“We are so grateful to Frank and all of our incredible supporters for everything they are doing to help us make research breakthroughs that will keep people connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.”
To find out more about Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Supporter Awards and to view all the winners go to https://alzres.uk/awards
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising and volunteering for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
