'Inspirational' FTD brothers given freedom of town

Two brothers who have raised more than £2m for dementia research through a month-long series of marathons have been awarded the freedom of their hometown in Worcestershire.

Jordan and Cian Adams, known as the FTD brothers, were granted the Freedom of Redditch in a special gathering at the town's Palace Theatre on Wednesday.

Speaking in front of friends and family, Jordan said they had been "overwhelmed by love and support" and called it an "honour".

Leader of the council, Matt Dormer, said the brothers had shown "extraordinary courage, determination and selflessness, inspiring people, across our borough and beyond, while bringing immense pride to Redditch".

Their mother Geraldine died aged 52 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and they found they too have the gene that can lead to the condition.

They have also lost 12 Irish relatives to the same condition, including their grandmother and aunt.

The pair, who are both at risk of developing dementia in their 40s, completed the London Marathon before travelling to Ireland completing 32 marathons in 32 days.

They then returned home to Redditch, with their fundraising total in the region of £2m.

Jordan said it was a "full circle moment" for him and Cian to be at the Palace Theatre for "two Redditch lads who were born and bred in the town".

"Sadly, obviously our mum's no longer with us, and she's constantly the reason why we do what we do," he said.

"Growing up, our mum was very proud of this town," he added.

"What we've noticed since those 16 years of never-ending pain and devastation is the overwhelming love and support of so many people across Redditch."

He told the gathering they were proud to have represented the town "on the biggest of scales" through their fundraising.

"What an honour it is to receive the freedom of the borough," he added.

Dormer thanked them for "representing the town with such distinction".

"Thank you for your courage, your determination and your compassion," he said.

"One day, many years from now, people will look back through the history of this borough and see their names."

Labour group leader Sharon Harvey described the brothers as "inspirational", adding: "We're really proud to recognise their commitment and fight by giving these two young men the honour of freemen of the borough."

It was only the fourth time in Redditch's history that the freedom of the borough has been granted - the last recipient was the 37th Signal Regiment in 2014.

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