Water Achievement! Fearless Frank Is Close To £200,000

The incredible 73-year-old is over a month into trek across the water and the Latics supremo has nearly raised £200,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK

The super fit pensioner, who collected his take-over of the club last season, wants to become the oldest person to row across the vast Atlantic Ocean, setting off from the Canary Islands destined for Antigua in the Caribbean.

Frank completed his first 3,000 mile voyage in 56 days and he’s now not too far from the end of his latest adventure, swapping the padded seats of the Boundary Park executive suite for the rough and ready high seas.

He says he’s doing it because one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia - and he says he wants to help stop the disease from robbing us of everything that matters.

“I'm right in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and it's a lovely day, it is like Blackpool if we're going to buy some ice cream,” he joked to ITV. “It's so warm and it's a nice gentle breeze and the sea's nice and calm.

“I’m well ahead of schedule. This boat I've got is pretty quick, it's a very light boat. Last time I wanted to just complete it - this time I'm competing, I am proper racing it this time.”

But it’s not been all plain sailing since setting off on December 13. “This time I've had two capsizes and that's a bit scary when that happens so that put me off for a bit, but I'm back on track again now.

"The way I hit the boat on the side with a big wave and I was in bed at the time, and all of a sudden I'm upside down and everything's everywhere.

"All my peanuts and mars bars are all over the place and woah you feel a shock because you're asleep when it happens.”

Lucy Squance, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "Frank is making fantastic progress on his 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic, and everyone at Alzheimer’s Research UK is cheering him on - but it’s not been easy, and he’s had to overcome some challenges. We’re in awe of his determination and strength to keep going.

"Even while out at sea, Frank has been championing Alzheimer's Research UK and raising much-needed awareness for our cause, by appearing in the news. His beloved football club, Oldham Athletic, has also been putting the spotlight on dementia research, with the players wearing shirts bearing the Alzheimer's Research UK’s logo during their recent victory against Hartlepool United

"This support for our cause has never been more important. As we revealed in December, dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in ten people dying from the condition. We cannot let this tragedy continue. At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we are committed to accelerating progress towards a cure for dementia, but we cannot do it alone.

"Thank you, Frank, for standing with us for a cure, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has supported him, and to the staff and players at Oldham Athletic for raising awareness of our cause."

To support Frank on his very worthwhile mission, visit his donation page.