The FTD Brothers have praised the 'phenomenal' support they received in Ireland after completing 33 marathons in 33 days to raise funds and awareness for frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Jordan and Cian Adams, from Redditch, Worcestershire, carry a rare gene that causes FTD, meaning they have a high chance of developing dementia in their 40s. Their mother, Geraldine, died at the age of 52 after developing the condition.
Jordan, 30, completed the marathons with support from his physio brother Cian, 25. He began by running the London Marathon on April 26 while carrying a 25kg fridge on his back, before travelling to Ireland to run a marathon a day in each of the 32 counties. The challenge concluded in Merrion Square Park, Dublin, where hundreds gathered to support the family.
Speaking to the crowd, Jordan said: 'I just want to say how much we've appreciated from Antrim to Dublin, every single one of you in your hometowns, in your counties, come out showing your colours, showing the real Irish spirit, and it's showing the power of when people come together.' He added that the effort had brought 'hope to an entire nation'.
The brothers have raised more than £1 million. Jordan learned in 2018 that he carries the gene mutation that causes FTD. He said: 'There's no treatment, there's no cure, and ultimately, going off the 12 relatives that I've lost to this familial form of FTD, I will lose my life, starting more than likely in my mid to late 40s.' He described the challenge as 'the best experience of my life' and said it made 'dementia visible' in a place his mother loved.
Cian acknowledged the 'really tough moments' and 'many tears shed' but said the challenge is 'only the beginning'. He stated: 'When this challenge is over, we're still going to get dementia. It still will be on its track to be Ireland's biggest killer. So, the work starts now.' The brothers plan to use the funds for research and welfare, and aim to lobby the Irish parliament for change.
