A documentary following Saddleworth’s own Frank Rothwell on his solo Atlantic row has won a prestigious film festival award, bringing his remarkable story to a wider audience. The film, titled ‘Oldham Man and The Sea’, charts the 73-year-old Greenfield businessman’s gruelling 3,000-mile voyage across the ocean, which he undertook to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

Rothwell first completed the challenge in 2021, spending over 64 days at sea in a small boat, driven by a personal connection to dementia. His efforts have since raised substantial sums for charity, with the documentary capturing both the physical and mental endurance required. Judges at the film festival praised the documentary for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact, highlighting the determination and character behind the feat.

The documentary premiered during the festival in March and has since drawn strong interest from audiences, with further screenings expected to follow. Filmmakers said they wanted to capture not only the scale of the challenge but also the deeply human story of a local man taking on the ocean. The award marks another milestone for Rothwell’s extraordinary journey, shining a light on an important cause while inspiring others in the Oldham community.