Imagine facing the devastating reality of inheriting a gene that could rob you of your memories and identity in your 40s. This is the stark truth for Jordan and Cian Adams, two brothers from Redditch, Worcestershire, who are determined to fight back against early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD). But here's where it gets even more inspiring: they’re about to embark on an extraordinary challenge—running 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days, one in each of Ireland’s 32 counties, starting next April. And this is the part most people miss—they’re also squeezing in the London Marathon the day before, just to push themselves further.
Their mission is deeply personal. In 2016, they lost their mother, Geraldine, to FTD at just 52 years old. Both brothers carry the same gene, meaning they face a high risk of developing the disease in their 40s. Yet, instead of succumbing to fear, they’ve channeled their grief into action, earning the nickname The FTD Brothers. Their goal? To raise a staggering £1 million for FTD research, honoring their mother’s Irish heritage along the way. Geraldine, who was fiercely proud of her roots, would undoubtedly be moved by their effort.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is running 32 marathons in 32 days even humanly possible? Critics might argue it’s too extreme, while others applaud their relentless determination. Jordan, however, sees it as a way to confront the source of their family’s pain head-on. “We want to take it back to the roots of all the devastation our family has experienced with dementia,” he explains. “It’s come from my mum’s side of the family, and we want to honor her in this way.”
Their journey has already made waves. Earlier this year, Jordan and Cian were named winners in the Mind Over Miles category at the JustGiving Awards, after raising nearly £300,000. A JustGiving spokesperson praised their effort, saying the category celebrates individuals who go the extra mile for causes close to their hearts. The brothers were chosen by a public vote, beating out four other finalists—a testament to the impact of their story.
The FTD Brothers Foundation, their newly established charity, will benefit from the funds raised, alongside a dementia charity in Ireland. Jordan reflects on their award, “To be named a finalist was amazing, but winning feels out of this world. Since my diagnosis in 2018 and Cian’s in 2023, we’ve been on a mission to raise awareness and funds for FTD. We’re determined to hit that £1 million mark, and this award is a huge step forward.”
Their story raises a thought-provoking question: How far would you go to fight for a cause that’s personal to you? Is their marathon challenge a brilliant act of defiance or a risky endeavor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure—Jordan and Cian Adams are proving that even in the face of an uncertain future, the human spirit can achieve the extraordinary.
