A pensioner will complete his last training session before he takes on the 'worlds toughest row'.

Frank Rothwell, 70 joined the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge training camp, in Burnham-on-Crouch ahead of rowing the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Alzheimers Research UK.

Frank hopes to become the oldest person to complete the 3,000 mile challenge solo.

He will take his boat out for the last time today (Monday, October 19) before it is shipped off to the starting line in the Canary Islands.

The businessman, who is a father of two and grandfather of three, hopes to raise £1million for the charity and said he is feeling "as fit as any 70-year-old can be."

To help him reach his goal, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation has agreed to match the first £500,000 worth of donations.

Frank said: "Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean unsupervised is the biggest challenge I can take on, and I wish I was setting off today.

"I have undergone months of gruelling training sessions in preparation so I’m all fired up, feeling well and as fit as any 70 year old bloke can be.

"I am so happy my wife Judith is supportive of this challenge, we will be in contact twice a day on the satellite phone but I have told her to write down what she plans to say and talk fast because the calls are costing me about £1 per minute.

“I would like to make a positive difference with my life, so that’s why I’m dedicating 18 months to raising much-needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer's Research UK.

"I’ve seen the heartbreak dementia causes, but at the moment there are no treatments to make it easier, or slow down its onset, never mind cure it.

"Unfortunately, charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK are going through a very difficult time during this pandemic, taking a huge loss in donations.

"I believe we can help Alzheimer’s Research UK find life-changing treatments and eradicate this terrible condition for our children and grandchildren.

"So, I’d be grateful to anyone who can support me."

Frank will case off from La Gomera on December 12 with the hope of reaching Antigua where he will reunite with his wife of 50 years, Judith.

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "We’re in awe of Frank for taking on this enormous challenge for Alzheimer's Research UK.

"Rowing across the Atlantic solo is a daunting prospect for anyone, but Frank’s enthusiasm and energy should inspire all of us to not let anything hold us back.

"Frank’s determination in embarking on a challenge that others may deem impossible is exactly the attitude we need to overcome dementia.

"We’d love to see the public and business get behind Frank by making a donation, if they are able to do so. We wish Frank the best of luck and can’t wait to hear his updates from the Atlantic."

To donate to Frank's challenge search Frank Rothwell on justgiving.com.