Jordan Adams, a 31-year-old charity fundraiser told he will develop the fatal dementia that killed 12 members of his family, is in Atlanta tonight to watch England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final — after England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo answered his desperate plea for a ticket.
Adams, who flew from Heathrow, posted a video on his and his brother Cian's "theFTDbrothers" Instagram account asking: "I have 32 hours to fulfil a lifelong dream. Eight years ago, I was given a terminal prognosis. That means I'm going to get the same fronto temporal dementia that took my mum and 12 relatives. Since then, I've made my life as a full-time advocate. I've also tried to live as freely as possible and jump at opportunities. It would be a real bucket list moment to go to England vs Argentina in Atlanta. I'm heading there now, first of two flights to get there, 13 hours travelling. Let's test the power of social media and see if I can get a ticket to the game."
“Charity fundraiser Jordan Adams, facing fatal dementia, gets World Cup ticket from England's Kobbie Mainoo.”
Mainoo, one of the team's star midfielders, reached out and set the campaigner up with tickets. Adams later wrote: "Massive thank you to Kobbie for showing what a humble and generous human being he is; it's made me love this team even more. I'll forever be grateful for this opportunity." He also revealed he will attend as a FIFA "special guest" and that the FTD Brothers will collaborate with the footballing organisation to spread dementia awareness. "This is a special experience with FIFA and the chance to spread dementia awareness around the world," Adams said. "I am on a mission before I die to make a difference and live life to the max as much as possible, and this is a bucket list moment."
The match — the first meeting between England and Argentina in 21 years, according to the Standard — pits the Three Lions against Lionel Messi's Argentina, who have scored 17 goals on their way to the semi-final. England have yet to be taken to a penalty shootout, raising questions over who would take spot-kicks if needed.
For Adams, the game is more than a football rivalry. It is a chance to live fully before the disease that killed his mother and 12 relatives takes hold.