A Race Against Time for a Crucial Cause
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and love, brothers Jordan and Cian Adams are running 33 marathons in 33 days to raise £1 million for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) research. Their gruelling challenge, which includes the Belfast City Marathon, is a deeply personal one. Both brothers carry the genetic mutation for early-onset FTD, the same disease that claimed their mother's life at the age of 52 and has devastated their family, taking 12 relatives in Ireland.
Jordan, 30, and Cian, 25, from Redditch, Worcestershire, are facing a future where they have a 99.9% chance of developing the aggressive terminal disease in their 40s. But rather than succumbing to this grim reality, they have chosen to fight back, using their time to make a difference for others. Their mission is to raise awareness and funds for research into FTD, a less common form of dementia that affects the front and side parts of the brain, causing changes in personality, behaviour, and language.
A Fridge, a Marathon, and a Message
The challenge began in spectacular fashion, with Jordan running the London Marathon with a 25kg fridge strapped to his back. This unusual act was a powerful symbol of the invisible burden of grief and illness, making it “unavoidably visible.” Immediately after, he travelled to Belfast to begin the main part of his mission: running 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days across every county in Ireland, with Cian cycling alongside him.
The choice of Ireland is significant. Their mother, Geraldine, was incredibly proud of her Irish heritage, with family roots in Leitrim and Longford. The brothers are using this challenge to honour her memory and the memory of their other relatives who have been lost to FTD. They hope to create a space and a community for those affected by dementia that didn't exist for them when their mother was ill.
An Emotional and Physical Toll
The physical and emotional demands of this challenge are immense. Jordan has spoken openly about his ongoing struggles with depression and the weight of his circumstances. He acknowledges that there will be moments during the challenge where it will feel “almost impossible.” Yet, he remains driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and to show people that even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, it is possible to live an extraordinary life.
The brothers have already raised over £400,000 through their endurance challenges, with half of the funds going to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the rest to their non-profit, the FTD Brothers Foundation. They are encouraging people to follow their journey on social media and to join them on their runs, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
A Legacy of Hope
The FTD Brothers' story is one of incredible courage, resilience, and love. They are not just running marathons; they are running for their lives, for their family, and for a future where dementia no longer has the power to devastate families. Their journey is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the most profound acts of love can inspire us all.
