He took up the challenge in honour of his brother-in-law, who unfortunately died with Alzheimer's disease while he was away.

It was during his intensive training regime, in the spring of last year, that Frank started to suffer from constant pins and needles, and weakness in his hand, which was hampering his progress. He also experienced pain in his forearm and hand during the night, and was originally worried that it could be related to a heart problem.

Frank explains: "I made an appointment with my doctor, Dr Adam Simon, who is a private GP at Spire Manchester Hospital and after assessment he referred me to Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgeon, Mr David Murray.

"I was very impressed by how smooth the whole process was at the OrthTeam Centre; following referral, I was quickly seen by Mr Murray, and straight after my consultation I was able to have the nerve conduction tests all within one, convenient visit!

"I was relieved when he told me that I was suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and said that it was treatable, and that I would still be able to take part in the Atlantic challenge.”

Mr David Murray added: "I initially reviewed Frank at the OrthTeam Centre and following assessment, arranged a nerve conductions study.  Nerve conduction studies are used to help detect compression of nerves in the arm and wrist, which can cause debilitating symptoms for patients.  I diagnosed severe compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which is otherwise known as 'carpal tunnel syndrome.”

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pins and needles, and numbness in the thumb and first three fingers of the hand, and is often worse at night time, waking patients from their sleep.  It can also cause weakness of the hand, leading to patients dropping objects or being unable to carry out everyday tasks.

When the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, it passes through an anatomical tunnel causing the condition.  It is common in rowers, as the handles of the oars push against the part of the wrist through which the nerve is situated.  Increased pressure for prolonged periods when rowing can exacerbate the symptoms.

"I performed carpal tunnel release surgery on Frank, under local anaesthetic, and he was able to return to his rowing training within four weeks, and had full resolution of symptoms.  The surgery is very straightforward, and takes approximately 15 minutes to perform.”

Once his stitches were out, Frank was back and fully immersed in his gruelling training in the West coast of Scotland, and was able to set-off on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge as planned, which is an annual race known as the 'world’s toughest row'.

Frank concluded: "The professionalism of Mr David Murray and the team was first class. As I had a local anaesthetic, I was able to watch the procedure and was kept informed throughout; I can’t recommend Mr Murray enough!”

Frank was given the Freedom of the Borough by Oldham Council earlier this year, which is the highest accolade that the council can bestow, and Kym Marsh also presented him with the 'Pride of Manchester Award’ for fundraising.

He is now focusing on his next challenge; he wants to be the undisputed age to row any ocean solo in 2023 and already has his boat on order.

Find out more or book a consultation with Mr David Murray.