Jordan and Cian Adams, known as the FTD Brothers, have completed an extraordinary challenge of running 33 marathons in 33 days to raise funds and awareness for frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The brothers, who carry a rare gene that causes FTD, said the support they received across Ireland was 'phenomenal' and will not sink in for a long time.
A Journey of Hope
Jordan, 30, began the challenge by running the London Marathon on April 26 while carrying a 25kg fridge on his back. He then travelled to Ireland to run a marathon in each of the 32 counties, culminating in Dublin's Merrion Square Park, where hundreds gathered to support the family. The brothers raised over £1 million for dementia research and support.
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 brought hope not only to those living with dementia but to an entire nation.
Personal Tragedy and Determination
The brothers lost their mother, Geraldine, to FTD at the age of 52, and have also lost an aunt to the disease. In 2018, Jordan discovered he carries the gene mutation that causes FTD, meaning he is likely to develop dementia in his mid-to-late 40s. He said: 'You can either go through a door where you let that cruel hand consume you, or you walk through a door where you use it as a powerful message to show that no matter the time you have, you have a choice at how you play your hand.'
Over the past month, thousands of people have shown their support by running alongside Jordan, carrying signs, and cheering. Cian, 25, who served as Jordan's physio, noted there were 'really tough moments' with 'many tears shed', but they were determined to complete the challenge.
Looking Ahead
The brothers emphasised that the challenge is 'only the beginning'. Cian said: '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.' They plan to ensure the donated funds are used effectively for research and family welfare, and to advocate for policy changes in Ireland and Brussels.
Jordan added: 'We opened it up last week to hearing people’s living experiences... and we want to go to the Dail and relay what we’ve been told, where the shortfalls are, because there’s plenty. Things need to change, and we’ll push for that as hard as we can.'
