Brothers Finish 33-Day Marathon Challenge Raising £1.5m
There were hugs, cheers, and tears as two brothers crossed the finish line after completing an extraordinary challenge of running 33 marathons in 33 consecutive days, raising £1.5 million to support dementia research.
Jordan and Cian Adams, from Redditch, Worcestershire, were met with enthusiastic support from hundreds of people in central Dublin as they completed their final marathon.
Their mother, Geraldine, passed away at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Both brothers carry a rare gene that causes the condition, making it likely they will develop FTD in their 40s.
Known as the FTD Brothers, Jordan and Cian began their challenge by running the London Marathon, followed by completing a marathon in each of the 32 counties on the island of Ireland over the subsequent 32 days.
Jordan Reflects on Diagnosis and Motivation
At the finish line, Jordan shared his feelings about discovering he carried the gene. He said he left the hospital determined to make a difference.
"I walked out of hospital the day I found out that I carried the gene knowing I wanted to make an impact on the world."
He described his mother as "beautiful, vivacious, a cool mum - you couldn't have wished for a better mum."
Jordan also addressed the crowd about his prognosis.
"I will lose my life starting more than likely in my mid to late 40s.
That hand you get dealt can consume you or you can walk through a door where you can use it as a powerful message to the world.
To show that no matter the time you have here or the cards you've been dealt, you have a choice of how to play your hand."
Final Marathon in Dublin
The brothers began their last marathon at approximately 09:30 local time in north Dublin and crossed the finish line in Merrion Square around 14:30.
Hundreds of spectators gathered in the park to cheer them on as they completed the race accompanied by friends and family, including their sister Kennedy Frampton. Their father John and grandfather Glenn were also present to support them.
Challenge Beginnings and Unique Feats
The challenge started with the London Marathon, during which Jordan ran while carrying a fridge strapped to his back.
Before undertaking this feat, Jordan told the BBC he wanted to do something different to raise awareness and encourage others unfamiliar with their story to ask questions.
The brothers then traveled to Ireland to begin their marathon journey across the island the following day.
They received a letter of congratulations from the Prince of Wales, who expressed being "incredibly impressed with your inspiring journey and ambitious challenge to undertake 32 consecutive marathons across Ireland."
Family Roots and Connections in Ireland
Although the brothers were raised in England, their mother’s family originates from Ireland, where several relatives have also been affected by FTD.
Cian noted that the multiple marathons gave them an opportunity to reconnect with family members in Ireland, a place their mother had taken them to many times during their childhood.
"It is really good to go back to Longford and Leitrim, go back to where our granddad went to school, where our nan grew up, it was very special."
Final Day Experience and Support
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme before the final run, Cian described the brothers as "shattered," while Jordan called the past 33 days "tough."
Sunny weather accompanied them in Dublin, along with supporters who were encouraged to join the run in limited numbers to ensure safety during the early stages.
For the last 10 kilometers, only friends and family were allowed to run alongside Jordan and Cian as they approached the finish line.
Family Pride and Community Support
Glenn Adams, their father, was present at the finish line and described his sons as "not anything really other than normal working-class boys from a small town in the Midlands."
Their grandfather John expressed his pride in their achievement.
"It's hard to put into words how proud I am of them. They are wonderful."
He added that the determination and grit seen in the brothers is a trait inherited throughout the family.
John accompanied the brothers during most of their marathon challenge across Ireland, while also traveling back to England to care for his partner who has dementia.
Regarding the people of Ireland, John said,
"They were so generous, every person I've spoke to had been so kind."
Kennedy Frampton, the brothers' sister, expressed her gratitude that the diagnosis has not overwhelmed them.
"They actually make every day count and I'm so proud of them."
