LONDON (AP) — British brothers Jordan and Cian Adams have created lasting memories during their time at the Wimbledon championships, where they were honored guests in the Royal Box. The brothers took home several mementos including an event program, a seating chart featuring their names, and hats from the day.
Both brothers are facing a challenging future as they carry a rare gene mutation that is likely to lead to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Their mother, Geraldine, succumbed to the illness in 2016 at the age of 52. Jordan, aged 31, and Cian, 25, are acutely aware that symptoms of the disease could emerge as they enter their mid-40s.
In response to their situation, the Adams brothers have embarked on a remarkable mission to raise awareness about FTD. They ran 33 marathons in 33 consecutive days, starting with the London Marathon, where Jordan notably completed the 26.2 miles with a refrigerator strapped to his back—a metaphor for the emotional weight carried by families dealing with dementia.
They continued their endeavor with the "Irish Challenge," completing a marathon each day in each of Ireland’s 32 counties. This personal journey is deeply rooted in their family history, as Geraldine had numerous relatives who also suffered from FTD.
The support they received during their challenge was profound, particularly in Ireland, where countless people joined them for runs, and they appeared on national television. They were also invited by Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister to address government officials on better support for dementia services.
Royal recognition came from Prince William, who congratulated them on their inspiring efforts. Following this, the All England Club extended an invitation for them to enjoy Wimbledon from the Royal Box, where they watched the men's semifinal matches with their partners.
The brothers were able to experience the excitement of Wimbledon alongside notable figures, including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Laurie. They shared a memorable conversation with West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara and journalist Louis Theroux, who expressed genuine interest in their advocacy work.
The brothers acknowledge the cruel realities of FTD, as the U.K.’s National Health Service characterizes the disease as a rare form of dementia that predominantly affects behavior, language, and motor functions. The condition, particularly pronounced with the MAPT gene mutation carried by the Adams brothers, is almost guaranteed to affect them, with a 99.9% likelihood of onset.
Jordan emphasized the lack of hope for a timely cure, stating, “I’ve got the best part of 10 to 15 years before symptoms likely arise.” Both brothers are committed to advocating for dementia-related research and support, aiming to raise nearly 2 million pounds (nearly $2.7 million) for Alzheimer’s groups in Britain and Ireland. Their goal is to ensure no one living with dementia feels isolated, underscoring the need for better welfare support alongside treatment efforts.
Looking ahead, the brothers plan to participate in the Chicago Marathon this October and lead a group hike up Mount Kilimanjaro through the FTD Brothers Foundation they established.
Reflecting on their experiences at Wimbledon, Jordan mentioned, “We’ve collected artifacts” from the day and viewed it as a “bucket-list experience” that will hold significance for their families, especially when future memory challenges arise. He noted that it’s about creating moments that “hopefully our partners will be able to show to our children,” illustrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
