TWO Redditch brothers at risk of dementia are set to be featured in the latest series of Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey.
Jordan and Cian Adams, who go by the name of ‘The FTD Brothers’, grew up with their sister, Kennedy, and parents, Geraldine and Glenn.
In 2010, their mum Geraldine was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at the age of 46, after years of symptoms and a long search for answers. She died in 2016, aged just 52.
FTD runs in the family due to a mutation in the MAPT gene. After their mum’s death, each sibling faced the difficult decision of whether to be tested.
Kennedy was found not to carry the gene, but results confirmed that Jordan and Cian had inherited it.
This meant both would almost certainly develop symptoms in their early 40s and lose their lives within 10 years of diagnosis.
Despite this devastating reality, the brothers have dedicated themselves to fundraising and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
They have covered thousands of miles in their fundraising journey so far, taking on tasks such as running the entire length of the UK, running seven marathons in seven days and completing 982 laps of their local athletic track.
Between them they have covered hundreds of miles through the heat, wind, rain, and exhaustion, raising over £288,000 for the charity to date.
Now, to honour the brothers’ incredible bravery and positivity, Bill Bailey has asked artist Unza Saleem to immortalise them in a painting.
Bill said: “Instead of letting this take them over, they have decided to step up to make changes and live a life truly of purpose.
“It’s incredibly moving talking to these two young lads.”
Unza decides to celebrate the brothers’ easy camaraderie and humour, and the final painting left the entire family overcome by emotion.
Jordan said: “One day we are going to have to leave these guys behind. It’s that which worries me the most.
“I feel very privileged that Unza has been able to create something that can live on long after us.”
Their next challenge will see them heading to Ireland where, starting on April 27, they will run 32 consecutive marathons across all 32 of Ireland’s counties.
The challenge is particularly meaningful as their late mother was extremely proud of her Irish roots and the family has sadly lost 13 Irish relatives to the disease.
By taking on this enormous feat, the brothers hope to honour Geraldine’s memory and raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, bringing them closer to their mission of raising £1million to help find a cure.
The programme is set to air at 7.30pm next Friday, April 17, on BBC One.
