Two brothers from Redditch, Jordan and Cian Adams, have run the London Marathon despite facing a near-certain diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. The siblings, aged 30 and 25, carry a rare faulty gene that gives them a 99.9% chance of developing the condition in their 40s. Their mother, Geraldine, died from the same disease at age 52.
Family History of Dementia
The brothers have lost 12 relatives to frontotemporal dementia, a devastating inherited condition. Jordan described their mother as a "life and soul character" who became socially withdrawn after her diagnosis at 47. She lived for six to ten years after diagnosis, eventually losing the ability to walk and talk.
Fundraising Efforts
Through their FTD Brothers Foundation, Jordan and Cian have raised over £400,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK. Their latest challenge, the London Marathon, brought in nearly £500,000. In 2024, they ran the length of the UK, raising more than £250,000. Their goal is to raise £1 million while they are still fit and healthy.
Jordan carried a fridge during the marathon for the Mind and Buxton’s Sweat and Tears campaign, symbolizing hidden burdens. After the marathon, the brothers flew to Ireland, their mother's birthplace, where Jordan began 32 marathons in 32 days.
"To live with that knowledge is incredibly difficult," Jordan said. "But I’ve tried to use it as a licence to live and to benefit those living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia."
