Oldham owner receives welcome donation from Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney - as he prepares to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean aged 73

The Hollywood actors donated $2,000 (£1,600) to Rothwell's fundraising campaign before he sets sail from the Canary Islands to Antigua next month in an attempt to break his own record for completing the challenge as the oldest man. Rothwell has already managed to raise £62,643 for the event titled: "Frank Rothwell’s World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge 2023." The charitable row is dedicated to raising funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, a cause close to Rothwell's heart.

Reynolds made the donation along with words of encouragement that read: "Go get 'em Frank." He even took to social media and wished him a "safe journey" ahead of the daring mission!

Rothwell, who underwent open heart surgery in 2022, shared his determination to combat dementia, having lost loved ones to the condition.

While talking about his journey, he said: "I’m not frightened of anything except getting dementia. I've seen the heartbreak that it causes. Sadly, I've lost two people that I love to dementia, my brother-in-law, Roger, during my 2020 race, and my best friend only a couple of months ago.

"It's devastating. I don't want others to go through it, so I am determined to help Alzheimer's Research UK change lives. I've renamed by boat 'For A Cure' because that's what I'm racing for. Thank you very much for your donation. It really means the world to me and to Alzheimer’s Research UK."

Rothwell will start his journey on December 12 from the Canaries, an archipelago in Macaronesia in the Atlantic Ocean. The rower has promised to share updates of his journey on his social media whenever possible to keep his well-wishers updated on his progress.

Meanwhile, Phil Parkinson's men will be back in action on Sunday in the FA Cup against Yeovil Town.