33 marathons in 33 days: Adams brothers complete FTD fundraising campaign

Two brothers from Ireland have accomplished an incredible feat, running 33 marathons in 33 days, raising €1.7 million for dementia research along the way.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has taken a lot from Jordan and Cian Adams. They’ve lost twelve relatives to the disease, include their mother Geraldine who died aged just 52. In 2018, Jordan learned he was also a carrier of the gene mutation that causes FTD, a disease that would likely take hold by the time he turned 40. With no treatment or cure, FTD is a life-changing diagnosis for those who carry the gene.

The FTD Brothers begin their 33 marathon challenge across Ireland

Known as the FTD brothers, Jordan and Cian began their month-long challenge on April 27, to draw attention, raise funds and honour their lost loved ones. Over 33 days, the two brothers completed 33 marathons across Ireland. With each race, more and more people rallied behind them, showing their support by cheering them on or donating to the cause.

The elder Adams brother, Jordan, previously gained national attention by running the London marathon with a 25kg fridge strapped to his back. On social media, Jordan said that the fridge represented the heavy weight families carry after receiving their FTD diagnosis.

Thousands support and donate to FTD research

It was an emotional scene when the pair crossed the finish time for the thirty-third time, accompanied by their sister Kennedy. Thousands of people travelled across the country to cheer them on, greeting them with triumphant chants of “Ole Ole Ole” as they crossed the finish line.

The brothers have so far raised €1.7 million for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and The FTD Foundation, with this total amount increasing by the day. Funds will go towards supporting affected families, lobbying for early diagnosis and funding vital dementia research.

But this is just the start of the journey for the Adams family. Jordan, who says his diagnosis gave him a “licence to live”, will next run the Chicago Marathon before he then preparers to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.