From midlands marathons to Brussels - FTD Brothers take campaign to Europe
Jordan and Cian Adams brought their campaign to Brussels this week, where MEP Nina Carberry hosted the FTD Brothers for a series of meetings with EU decision-makers.
The dementia campaigners took on an extraordinary challenge, completing 33 marathons in 33 days. Thousands of supporters turned out to cheer them on across Portlaoise, Tullamore, Mullingar and Longford, in May.
The brothers raised around €2m during the Irish challenge for their foundation and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
During the visit to Brussels, they met European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, several EU commissioners and Irish MEP's to share the story and press for political action.
Their mother, Geraldine, died at just 52 from frontotemporal dementia, a rare form of dementia that often develops at a younger age. Both Jordan and Cian carry the inherited genetic mutation linked to the disease.
MEP Carberry, who has worked with Jordan and Cian since their challenge across Ireland, is calling on the EU to develop a dedicated Brain Health Action Plan and increase research funding for dementia.
One in every three people born today are expected to develop dementia in their lifetime.
Speaking from Brussels, MEP Nina Carberry said: “Jordan and Cian have moved so many people across Ireland with their story, and I felt it was right to bring their journey to the heart of European decision-making. They are doing incredible work to secure Ireland’s participation in an international research programme focused on young-onset dementia and families affected by FTD. At European level, they are supporting my call for an EU Brain Health Action Plan covering research, earlier diagnosis, care, specialist networks and clinical trials.”
The EU invested approximately €570m through Horizon 2020 in dementia and Alzheimer’s related research. Carberry said she wants to see this investment increase further, particularly given the proposal to double the overall EU research budget for the 2028–34 period.