CROWDS flocked to a homecoming event in Astwood Bank to celebrate the fundraising efforts of Redditch’s ‘FTD brothers’.
Jordan and Cian Adams have raised nearly £2million for dementia research in memory of their mum by running 33 marathons in 33 days.
The brothers have the faulty microtubule-associated protein tau gene which leads to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the disease their mum died of when she was just 52.
Despite their devastating diagnosis, the brothers have dedicated themselves to raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Jordan and Cian started their challenge in London, with the former running the famous marathon with a 25kg fridge on his back.
The ticketed event, for 1,500 people at Astwood Bank Cricket Club, sold out in a matter of hours.
Jordan said: “We want to thank everyone, both locally in Redditch where it all started, those who have engaged in our online community and now supported our latest campaign in Ireland. But more than the money, we are proud to have inspired millions of people and this is just the start.”
Cian, who supported Jordan throughout the marathon challenge as his physio, said: “We are so proud, as a family, to have achieved our, £1million fundraising target, quicker than we could ever have imagined. Clearly the devastation of a dementia diagnosis resonates with so many.
“We are extremely grateful to every single person who has engaged with this campaign, whether that be through a donation, interacting with posts or engaging with us in London or Ireland.”
The brothers will be visiting Parliament next month, after town MP Chris Bloore laid an Early Day Motion, recognising their achievement.
Although the brothers’ £1million target has been surpassed, the FTD Brothers’ campaign continues with ongoing fundraising efforts for the FTD Foundation – which is dedicated to raising awareness, providing advocacy and helping families affected by dementia – and for Alzheimer’s Society Ireland.
Visit gofundme.com/f/theftdbrothers to donate.
