There was an emotional send-off in Letterkenny this morning as Redditch men Jordan and Cian Adams embarked on the Donegal leg of their 32-county Irish marathon challenge for dementia research and awareness.
The brothers, known as The FTD Brothers, are taking on the extraordinary challenge to raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, in honour of their mum, Geraldine Marie Kennedy, who passed away in 2016.
Having lost their mum at just 52, along with 11 other Irish relatives to the disease, Jordan and Cian have been deeply moved by the support their campaign has received in Ireland.
Mum of three Geraldine passed away in 2016
Over 32 days, Jordan will run a marathon in every county in Ireland, with his younger brother Cian by his side throughout the challenge. As well as running a large chunk of the routes, Cian is providing physio support to Jordan and on-the-button social media updates.
The brothers’ Irish leg began in Antrim on Monday, 27th April 2026, following Jordan’s amazing completion of the London Marathon on Sunday with a 25kg fridge on his back, representing the weight of knowing he will develop FTD in his 40s.
Both Jordan and Cian face the cruel reality of knowing they are carriers of the faulty MAPT gene, meaning they will develop the same form of early onset dementia as their mum.
Their inheritance has given them a purpose to use the time they have to act, educate and improve the lives of families affected by dementia.
The FTD Brothers, Jordan and Cian Adams pictured with Matthew, age 11, Zara, age 10, and Charlotte, age 4, from Burt, Co. Donegal, who turned out to support the brothers in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Photo by Joe Dunne
Speaking to the crowd in Letterkenny before the marathon began, Jordan said the support shown in Ireland meant more than he and his family could ever express.
“My mum was very proud of her Irish roots,” he said.
“We’ve always wanted to come back here to honour the relatives that we’ve lost. It’s a very cruel disease. And you can see how emotional I’m getting about it because it’s a hell of a lot.”
Jordan said he was amazed by the turnout in Letterkenny.
“I can’t believe that you’re all here. We’ve been working hard for 8 years trying to talk about the devastation that we’ve been through as a family,” he said.
“And I’m sure a lot of you have probably experienced dementia, you know how cruel it is.
“We’re doing this for you guys as much as my own family.”
Jordan and Cian Adams, The FTD Brothers, begin marathon number 4 of 33 today in Letterkenny. Photo by Joe Dunne
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Jordan and Cian Adams – The FTD Brothers – pictured with Carol Molloy (3rd from right), Operations Manager for the Northwest and Midlands at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland team in Letterkenny. Photo by Joe Dunne
Members of the northwest branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, people from local gyms, families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and members of the wider community came out to thank the brothers, cheer them on, and show their support for the awareness they are raising.
The Letterkenny marathon also attracted TV attention, with cameras in attendance from Ireland AM and Good Morning Britain.
Staff at Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure also played a special role in this morning’s send-off, hosting refreshments for the crowd and presenting the brothers with Donegal GAA jerseys as a memento of their short time in the county.
Jordan and Cian Adams with Fred Stewart from Stranorlar who also completed the London Marathon on Sunday. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Through their 32-county challenge, Jordan and Cian hope to change how people understand FTD. The rarity of this form of dementia can often lead to misdiagnosis, delayed support and significant strain on families.
The challenge is also part of a wider mission to raise £1 million for dementia research and support before dementia takes their own lives. Since 2018, The FTD Brothers have raised over £660,000 and counting.
If you would like to donate to the FTD Brothers’ ’33 marathons in 33 days’ challenge, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/theftdbrothers
Local runners joined Jordan and Cian in Letterkenny today as they continued their marathon challenge for FTD. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Sean McCrudden, Bill Vaughn and Eunan McBride
Sheeba and Chris Ashmore backing Jordan and Cian at the start of the Letterkenny leg of their challenge.
Claire Coyle and Mick Murphy, of Michael Murphy Sports, present Jordan and Cian Adams, The FTD Brothers, with Donegal jersyes. Photo by Joe Dunne
Lou and Leanne who put their best foot forward today in support of Jordan, Cian and the FTD Brothers fundraiser.
Supporters gathered in Letterkenny this morning to cheer on Jordan and Cian as they began their 3rd day of an All-Ireland marathon challenge.
Jordan and Cian Adams, The FTD Brothers, with the Michael Murphy Sports staff. Photo by Joe Dunne
Jordan and Cian get warmed up with an Irish jig before their Letterkenny marathon. Photo by Joe Dunne
Supporters gathered in Letterkenny this morning to cheer on Jordan and Cian as they began their marathon challenge.Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Jigs and music brought a lively start to the morning in Letterkenny ahead of Jordan and Cian Adams’ Letterkenny marathon for FTD. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin