Heroic FTD Brothers, Jordan and Cian feel the love in Navan

AISHLING MONAGHAN

Jordan and Cian Adams, both living with a rare genetic mutation linked to frontotemporal dementia, were met by strong support as they set off from the Ramparts on the latest leg of their journey across Ireland.

By the time Jordan and Cian Adams arrived at the Ramparts in Navan on Monday morning, supporters from across the country and beyond had already gathered to see them off — some planning to run alongside them, others simply eager to show their support.

The brothers, from the small town of Redditch in Worcestershire, are currently undertaking an extraordinary challenge — running 33 marathons in 33 days, including one in each county across Ireland, to raise awareness and funds for research into frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

For Jordan, 30, and his younger brother Cian, 25, it is also a race against time — an effort to fit as much as possible into their lives before developing familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the disease that claimed the life of their mother, Geraldine.

Their mother Geraldine, who was born to Irish parents, died at the age of 52 after developing the condition.

Both brothers have since tested positive for the rare genetic mutation that causes FTD, a form of dementia that typically develops at a younger age and accounts for less than 1% of cases.

Speaking previously, Cian said the condition has had a devastating impact on their wider family, with multiple relatives affected.

Despite that, the brothers have chosen to channel their experience into raising awareness and funding for research.

Jordan, 30, who is married to his wife Agnes and has two children, began the challenge by running the London Marathon while carrying a 25kg fridge on his back — a symbolic representation of the weight of dementia — before travelling to Ireland to continue the challenge across all 32 counties.

At his side throughout is brother Cian, who is acting as his physio, helping him manage the physical demands of running a marathon every day.

The journey has already seen the brothers complete several counties and will conclude in Dublin later this month.

In Navan, the atmosphere reflected the growing support they have received across Ireland.

As they set off from the Ramparts, applause followed them along the route, with some runners joining in for stretches while others cheered from the sidelines. Cars slowed as they passed, with drivers offering words of encouragement.

The response, the brothers have said, has exceeded anything they expected.

Their original goal was to raise £1 million for charity before they themselves develop symptoms of the disease — a target they are now on course to surpass, with fundraising continuing to grow as their journey progresses.

But beyond the financial milestone, the brothers have spoken about the importance of raising awareness of a condition that many families experience in silence.

Their mother’s illness, and the changes they witnessed over a number of years before her death, remain at the centre of their motivation.

Each marathon, they have said, is a way of honouring her memory while also helping to give a voice to others affected by dementia.

The brothers took time for photos and chats with supporters at the Ramparts before setting off on the next leg of their journey towards Yellow Furze NS.

“I just want to say how much your welcome here in County Meath means to us. We’ve been blown away as a family by the support we’ve received across Ireland this week.

“I’m in a lot of pain now — I think yesterday we got a bit excited with one of the flattest routes we’ve had, and seeing the crowds. Running through Blackrock was very special.

“I’m pretty much a broken man at this stage and I’ve still got 24 of these to go, so it’s a long way. We really appreciate all of your support.

“A lot of people are talking about us passing the £1 million mark — it’s something we never expected when we set out on this challenge. Back in 2023, when Cian got his diagnosis, we set that target because that’s our reality.

“I’m nearly 31 now, and I know I’ve got maybe 15 years before frontotemporal dementia takes everything from me — everything that allows me to stand here and talk to you like this. That’s why this can’t stop here.

“If you can make it to Dublin on May 28, we want to make as much noise as possible. Tell your family, tell your friends — this is just the start, and we need to keep building this platform.

“From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of my family — my mum, my auntie, and our relatives watching down with pride — thank you.”

For those who gathered at the Ramparts, it was a chance to play a small part in a much larger journey — one that is continuing to build momentum with each passing day.

Further along the route towards Beauparc, a burst of energy awaited at Yellow Furze National School, where pupils gathered at the gates, cheering and waving as the brothers passed, adding to the growing atmosphere of support along the route.

Yellow Furze NS Principal Aonghus Byrne said the FTD Brothers had made a strong impression on the school community, with parents, teachers and pupils lining up outside to cheer the brothers on as they passed.

“It’s an amazing story,” he said.

“The children were so excited to see them, they were out at the gates cheering and waving, and you could really feel the energy this morning.

“We talk a lot about role models in the school, and what they’re doing, both in terms of the challenge and the money they’re raising for such an important cause, is something really special.

“We’re delighted as a community to support them on their journey over the next few weeks.”

And with many miles still ahead, it is the support shown in places like Navan that will continue to drive them forward.