Redditch’s FTD Brothers a week into all Ireland challenge for Alzheimer Research UK

REDDITCH’S FTD Brothers have raised nearly £700k for Alzheimer Research UK and have set off on their latest challenge this week – running 32 marathons across all of Ireland’s counties in 32 days.

Jordan and Cian Adams grew up with their sister, Kennedy, and parents, Geraldine and Glenn.

In 2010, their mum Geraldine was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at the age of 46, after years of symptoms and a long search for answers. She died in 2016, aged just 52.

FTD runs in the family due to a mutation in the MAPT gene.

After their mum’s death, each sibling faced the difficult decision of whether to be tested.

Kennedy was found not to carry the gene, but results confirmed that Jordan and Cian had inherited it.

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This meant both would almost certainly develop symptoms in their early 40s and lose their lives within 10 years of diagnosis.

Despite this devastating reality, the brothers have dedicated themselves to fundraising and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

On Sunday, Jordan and Cian started the challenge in London, with Jordan running the marathon with a 25kg fridge on his back.

He set to show people that ‘no matter what they carry, they don’t have to carry it alone’.

He said: “I embarked on the greatest challenge of my life in many ways, but in all honesty it compares nothing in comparison to weight I have carried since the age of 15.

“The marathon has a funny way on offering a representation of the rollercoaster that is life – both the ups and downs.

“To every person on Sunday who ran by me and shared kind words, who passed me water, who offered me a gel. To all of you who were deafening with your support on the sidelines – I can never thank you enough.”

This week they have covered Antrim, Derry and Donegal.

The challenge is particularly meaningful, as their late mother was extremely proud of her Irish roots and the family has sadly lost 13 Irish relatives to the disease.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/theftdbrothers to donate.