England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has stepped in to help Jordan Adams, a Midlands man who has raised millions for charity after being diagnosed with a genetic condition that will likely cause dementia in his early 40s, secure a ticket for England's World Cup semi-final match.
Heroic fundraising despite devastating diagnosis
Jordan Adams, 31, and his brother Cian, 26, from Redditch, Worcestershire, have raised £2 million in donations since learning they are almost certain to develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD) when they reach their 40s. The brothers were diagnosed after their mother Geraldine died of the same genetic condition aged 52 in 2016.
Known as the 'FTD Brothers', they have completed extraordinary feats including running the London Marathon with a fridge strapped to their backs and finishing 33 consecutive marathons in 33 days across Ireland.
Last-minute trip to Atlanta
Jordan travelled to the United States hoping to watch England at the World Cup but initially had no ticket. After Jude Bellingham secured England's place in the semi-final against Argentina, Jordan decided to spend his last savings on flights to Atlanta.
In an Instagram post, Jordan wrote: 'Eight years ago, I was told that I will start to die in my 40s from the same dementia I watched and helped care for my mum live with. That's why since then I have chosen to live life in the fast lane, making sure I leave this world with no regrets.'
Mainoo's generous gesture
Jordan was left speechless when England star Kobbie Mainoo responded to him on X with the message: 'I've got you brother,' accompanied by a red heart emoji. Mainoo then provided Jordan with a ticket for the semi-final.
In a video after securing the ticket, Jordan said: 'I've finally arrived in Atlanta ahead of the World Cup semi-final and I'm glad to say I have got a ticket. None other than Kobbie Mainoo reached out and offered me a ticket to the game. To be quite honest, I'm quite speechless. I can't believe a current England player in the squad at the World Cup would show that level of kindness. That is unbelievable.'
Living life with no regrets
Jordan reflected on his journey: 'I know I've had arguably the best week of my life, I know how lucky I am in many ways. But getting to this game would provide so much to the 15-year-old depressed kid who wanted to give up on life that anything is possible if you dream big and chase it with all you have.'
He added: 'This is just another reminder, even if I don't get a ticket to you all – that if you're gonna miss the bus, miss it running or as I often say, leave nothing on the table when your time comes. Life is short, death is inevitable. I will live in spite of dementia and the cruel hand it has dealt my family. So f*** dementia, love always.'
