Dementia is caused by neurodenegeration – the death of cells in the brain. It is absolutely not a normal part of ageing. The umbrella term ‘dementia’ covers several subtypes. Some of the most common types are Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Though early symptoms in these conditions can differ (depending on the part of the brain affected), generally dementia can be characterised by memory loss, confusion, personality change, and trouble communicating. In the later stages, an affected person can struggle to eat, walk, see, and breathe. This can have a considerable toll on those who have caring responsibilities and have to watch their loved one deteriorate. Every case of dementia can be different, but ultimately it strips an individual of their personality and ability to engage with the world. More importantly, dementia is terminal - there is no reasonably effective treatment, let alone a cure. Alzheimer’s and other dementias are a leading cause of death in the UK, and figures are increasing. There has never been a higher demand for a cure.

A cure is important to me as a rare form of early onset Dementia runs in my family, not to mention almost a million other people who are living with dementia in the UK today.

My mum was an amazing woman. She was vivacious, charismatic and was incredibly kind towards others. She was sadly diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) when I was 9 and deteriorated until she passed in 2016. As a result I don’t have many memories of when she was healthy, but I look back very fondly on pictures and videos of her. I have lost count of the times that people have approached me saying they knew my mom, remarking on how truly kind she was. She was nicknamed ‘Mother Christmas’ by teachers at Mount Carmel Primary School because she bought all the staff a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates every year. There are countless examples of how many people she touched, none more poignant than the lack of space to fit in all the attendees at the church for her funeral. As a result of this nasty disease she has missed, and will miss weddings, graduations, birthdays, and the birth of her 2 beautiful granddaughters. Christmas is particularly hard and has never been the same! I am running this for her. 

FTD is a nasty form of early onset dementia.  Symptoms begin around mid 40s, and the disease is terminal within 5-10 years. FTD is often hereditary - meaning it can run in families.

My mom’s disease was due to the fact she carried a faulty version of a gene called MAPT. This also affected my auntie, nan and other family members, who have all passed away due to the condition.

Due to the heritable nature of the disease, myself and my siblings had a 50% chance of inheriting the faulty MAPT gene, meaning the chances of us suffering the same fate was the toss of a coin. 

Unfortunately my brother Jordan did not receive the genetic result we had all hoped and prayed for a few years ago, and is a carrier of this gene. Despite this incredibly challenging reality, he has raised an insane amount of money, done public speaking and advocacy for ARUK. He has appeared on television several times; on Channel 4’s ‘The restaurant that makes mistakes’, Good morning Britain, BBC news, was a torchbearer for the commonwealth games, and most recently he received the One Show’s ‘One Big Thankyou’ award last month after running an incredible 7 marathons in 7 days! I am so proud of what he has done and I am also running this for him.

I will undergo a blood test this year to determine whether or not I carry the faulty MAPT gene which has caused early onset dementia in my family. This has been a difficult burden to live with for myself and my siblings previously. Raising money towards a cure feels like a necessity. I am also running this for anyone else who has had to live with the burden of fear about their future with early onset dementia.

Jordan’s efforts have been absolutely immense, but we can’t stop here. I will be running the Warwick half marathon on 5th February 2023, and all proceeds will go towards Alzheimer’s Research UK. The more money we raise, the more chance we have of finding a cure. There are countless other families trying to navigate the horrible consequences of this evil disease, sufferers and caregivers alike. So finally, I am also running this for them.

In previous years, my family have been amazed by generous donations and heartfelt messages. We are incredibly grateful for any contribution, please know that absolutely no donation is too small!

Strength in numbers!

Most importantly, I won’t be running this alone. In a difficult time, I’m very lucky to have such supportive friends and family. They suprised me this Christmas, announcing that they are taking on the challenge and will be running by my side - I will have 12 people with me come February 5th! 

Not many of us are runners and training has been tough - Here’s what they had to say…

Jordan Adams & Agnès Dangréaux:

‘We want to run this half marathon for ARUK as they are the only charity completely focused of groundbreaking research which will hopefully lead to a cure in our lifetime. With Jordan already having to live with the fact he is going to become symptomatic with Dementia in his 40s following the genetic test result he received back in 2018, we want to fully support Cian as he goes through the same process. We are incredibly proud of his bravery and determination in shining a light on Dementia & Alzheimer’s by raising awareness and funds through running the Warwick Half Marathon and ultimately every penny raised is a step closer to a cure’.

Helen Jolly:

‘I feel that ARUK is a massively important charity to fundraise for. I have been particularly moved by Cian, his family and the resilience they have shown. I am in awe of Jordan and his incredible achievements - raising money, and spreading awareness, and running a lot of marathons!

Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by dementia, and the pain it can cause, so It’s crucial we don’t stop here. Funding is vital to research, and we have the ability to help!’.

Eva Dodd:

‘Getting to know the Adams family and what they are living with has shown to me how strong individuals can be. They are inspirational and have helped (and continue to help…) so many people by raising thousands for Alzheimer’s Research! I will also be running to support the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK which is a charity close to many peoples hearts’.

Charlie Watton:

‘I’m trying to help raise money for this amazing charity, as it means a lot to a very close friend of mine and his family.’

Billy Webb:

‘For me its a cause which is close to my heart with close friends suffering both first and second hand to Alzheimers. It is also something which I have seen my grandad declining with over the past 7-8 years’.

Reiss Bassett:

‘I am doing the half marathon not only to support a best mate but to help raise money for a cure for a disease that has impacted his family so much and my own through my grandad’.

Joe Cole:

‘I am running the half marathon to raise money for a great cause, also on behalf of a long time close friend and the courage and bravery he has shown throughout’.

Harry Strain:

‘I am doing this half marathon to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and to spread awareness of this life destroying disease which has affected my family and also affected one of my closest friends, which is the other reason I’m doing this, we’re by his side every step of the way through this tough period in his life’.

Chris Dyson:

‘I’ve decided to run along side my good friend to support him raising money for a cause that means a lot to him ❤️’.

Dan Brookes:

‘I’m doing the half marathon to try and raise money for an amazing charity and support a good mate and his family who have been directly affected by the disease’. 

Elliott Ebanks:

‘I am running this half marathon to not only support one of my closest friends but to also raise money for this amazing charity to help find a cure for this horrible disease’

Attached are some pictures of my lovely mum and auntie, my family, and some photos of the people who will be completing this challenge with me 🧡💜

#ARUK #TEAMARUK #ALZHEIMERSRESEARCHUK

#MAKEBREAKTHROUGHSPOSSIBLE