Midlands MEP calls for support for FTD Brothers running 32 marathons in 32 days

Midlands MEP Nina Carberry has made a call for support for FTD Brothers running 32 marathons in 32 days across all 32 counties.

Jordan and Cian Adams have taken on the extraordinary challenge to raise funds for dementia in memory of their late mother Geraldine, who passed away aged 52 from frontotemporal dementia.

The brothers will arrive in Mullingar on Thursday, May 14, before reaching Tullamore on Monday, May 26, as part of the fundraising challenge.

Earlier this week, local MEP Carberry, who is co-chair of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance, joined the brothers on their run to show her support and highlight the extraordinary work they are doing.

By 2050, the number of people living with dementia in Ireland is projected to more than double to approximately 141,200.

Speaking earlier this week, MEP Carberry said:

“The FTD Brothers are doing something incredible. It’s important for everyone to get out and show their support on their journey. This challenge shows how crucial it is to make dementia a European priority.”

Carberry, who has spent the past year working to put dementia higher on the European agenda, has written to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola seeking an invitation for the brothers to speak in Brussels, as key negotiations get underway on the EU’s priorities for 2028–2034.

Frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD, is a rare type of dementia which often develops earlier than other forms, typically affecting people in their 40s. In 2018, Jordan was told he has a 99.9% chance of developing the disease.

“We have seen fantastic work already done in Europe through the Beating Cancer Programme, and we now need to show the same determination when it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Research suggests that 1 in 3 people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. That is why I have asked President Metsola to invite Jordan and Cian to Brussels.

“Their story is powerful, but it also carries a clear message - we must do more on dementia research, preventative treatment, early diagnosis, care and family support.”