Oldest solo Atlantic rower honoured for charity work

The oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean is among those being honoured at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle later after being appointed OBE.

In 2024, the then 73-year-old Frank Rothwell beat his own Guinness World Record as the oldest person to row across the Atlantic solo, having made the voyage for the first time in 2021.

He completed the 3,000-mile challenge as part of the World's Toughest Row, enduring bad weather and winds which capsized his boat and set him off course on several occasions.

The businessman, who owns Oldham Athletic football club, raised more than £1.4m in the two challenges in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK and was appointed OBE for charitable services to dementia research.

Rothwell completed his second row across the Atlantic ocean despite falling asleep and briefly drifting off course.

He raised funds with the arduous row between the Canary Islands and Antigua for Alzheimer's Research UK, a charity he said was close to his heart after his brother-in-law died with Alzheimer's aged 62 as well as his best friend.

He was given a Points of Light award from the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2024 for his "outstanding" fundraising.

Oldham Athletic who secured their return to the EFL last year has said previously the club were "extremely proud and honoured" their chairman was appointed an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List.

Former Lionesses captain Millie Bright is also being honoured at the investiture ceremony.

The Chelsea defender, 32, who retired from international football in October, was also appointed an OBE for her services to Association Football.

Rothwell has been the Latics chairman since July 2022.

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