Jordan and Cian Adams, the two brothers taking part in a major marathon challenge across Ireland for dementia research, have received a special letter from the Prince of Wales.
Known as the FTD Brothers, the pair are currently working towards running a marathon a day for 32 consecutive days across the 32 counties of Ireland.
Jordan and Cian have also been diagnosed with the disease, which means there is a high chance that they will develop dementia in their 40s. Jordan who is 30 years old, and Cian aged 25, grew up in Redditch, Worchester in England, have family roots in Ireland.
The brothers are completing this challenge in memory of their 12 Irish relatives they have lost to FTD, or frontotemporal dementia, which include their grandmother, aunt, and mother Geraldine, who passed away from the illness aged 52.
They are seeking to raise awareness, start that conversation and show others who are facing this disease that they can still move forwards.
Now, Prince William wrote a letter to the brothers, praising them for their courage and determination in their attempts to raise awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia.
"Taking on such a demanding challenge, to honour your mother’s memory and raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia, speaks to your remarkable strength," he said. "You are inspiring people far beyond those who stood along the marathon route here in London, and those who will no doubt be cheering you on along the roads of Ireland".
"It takes great courage and generosity to turn such personal adversity into hope for others".
The Royal added: "By sharing your story so openly, you are helping to change understanding of dementia and giving countless families strength, comfort, and a sense that they are not alone.
"I hope you are both proud of all you have accomplished so far and wish you both every success for the road ahead".
The brothers received this letter prior to today's marathon in Carrick-On-Shannon, Leitrim.
Tomorrow, Jordan and Cian will travel to Co Longford where they also have close connections, with their grandfather hailing from Drumlish, and their grandmother from nearby Cattan, while their mother's cousins live in Ballinamuck.
Their final marathon takes place in Dublin on 28 May.
