Man, 30, who will develop dementia symptoms in 40s running London marathon with fridge on back
The London Marathon officially began this morning and there are always some amazing stories that come from the historic race.
While the elite runners are desperate to achieve that sub two-hour marathon, some of the best moments come away from the race itself, and more the circumstances that surround it.
Every year, we see people running the race in fancy dress or by hindering themselves in some way, and there's usually some good context for that.
This year, Jordan Adams will be taking on the 26.2 miles through England's capital city with a fridge tied to his back, and perhaps that's not even the most impressive part.
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It's actually part of 32 marathons in 32 days that he and his brother Cian will be running to raise awareness of FTD - frontotemporal dementia.
The brothers were just teenagers when their mother Geraldine was diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, which cruelly impacts a person's brain and the way they behave.
After Geraldine passed away five years later, the brothers were given the tragic news that they both possess the rare FTD gene, and will likely face a similarly painful diagnosis when they reach their 40s.
But that has seemingly just spurred on Jordan and Cian to live life to the fullest, even if it means carrying a fridge for over 40km in London's baking heat this morning, as they attempt to raise thousands of pounds for the mental health charity Mind.
Jordan previously said: "It's cruel because I know exactly what is coming. I've watched every stage of that process of seeing my mum being stripped of everything that made her who she was and the effect that it had not only on her but the people around her.
"I've got a great opportunity, despite the sadness of my circumstances, to make a difference to change the lives of thousands of people in the future."
Ahead of today's race, Jordan also spoke with Mind about why he was so passionate about raising money for the charity, having struggled with his mental health in the wake of his mum's death and his own diagnosis.
He said: I spiralled. Depression. Intrusive thoughts. Feeling like my future had already been written.
"But what saved me was people. Friends. Family. Support.
"People who helped me carry the weight when it felt unbearable. And that’s what this is about.
"This marathon with a fridge on my back isn’t just a challenge. It’s a symbol.
"Because that’s what it feels like sometimes - like you’re carrying something heavy that no one else can see. I’m doing this to make dementia visible.
"But more than that… to show you that whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone."
If the Paddy Power advert is anything to go off, he might even go and win the whole thing.
But either way, best of luck to Jordan with the race, and you can donate to the Adams' brothers fundraising page here.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: London Marathon, Charity, Mental Health, Good News
James Moorhouse