The FTD Brothers Jordan and Cian Adams have said it is the support of local people, not media appearances, that is keeping them going on their 32-county Irish marathon challenge.
The British brothers, who are doing 33 marathons in 33 days, appeared on The Late Late Show on RTÉ on Friday night as part of their campaign to raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia and raise funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
However, they later said they were disappointed not to have been given more time to share the story behind their challenge.
The challenge was inspired by their mother, Geraldine, who died from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) at the age of 52 in 2016. Both brothers carry the MAPT genetic mutation, giving them a 99.9% chance of developing the same early-onset dementia in their 40s.
In honour of Geraldine’s Irish roots, the Adams’ brothers have undertaken a challenge of completing 32 marathons in 32 days across every county in Ireland.
Their fourth marathon was completed in Letterkenny on Wednesday.
Jordan and Cian Adams, The FTD Brothers, on marathon number 4 of 33 in Letterkenny to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Photo by Joe Dunne
After travelling to Dublin in the middle of their marathon challenge to appear on The Late Late Show, the brothers said they were disappointed not to have been given more time on air.
“I don’t think this did the people we’ve lost justice or those we are running these marathons for,” Jordan said.
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“Too many of us have been devastated by dementia and it’s time for change. We appreciate the airtime but dementia needs a platform bigger than 5 minutes.”
This morning, Jordan shared a video saying it was not television or media attention that was driving them forward, but the people they have met along the way.
Jordan paid special tribute to those who have turned out across Ireland, including the Donegal community.
“I just wanted to let you guys know that it’s not The Late Late Show, it’s not any form of media that is keeping us going. It’s people,” he said.
“It was Mark who turned up in Derry to run the whole way with us and then showed up again the following day in Donegal. It was Sean McFadden, and the Donegal boys and girls, who showed up in their numbers and welcomed us in Letterkenny,” Jordan said.
Local runners, gym teams, families, children and supporters, came out in warm spring sunshine to cheer them on and keep them hydrated during their marathon around the town.
Jordan said the support had reminded the brothers that their mission reaches far beyond their own family.
“We’re doing this to bring hope to every single family across Ireland, back home and all over the world, who has experienced the devastation of dementia.
“It’s a privilege to be tired, and it’s going to get a lot more tiring and painful from here. Please keep showing up in your numbers.”
The brothers have another 27 days of running ahead as they continue their Irish Challenge.
To find out more and donate, visit: https://theftdbrothers.com/pages/irish-challenge
See more: ‘We can’t thank Letterkenny enough’ – FTD Brothers hail Donegal welcome