Moira man Sean McKegney, who has genetic haemochromatosis, backs charity's new NI public awareness campaign

Recent research has revealed that one in 10 people are at risk in Northern Ireland of genetic haemochromatosis, an overload of iron in the body.

It is the most common genetic condition locally, yet most people have never heard of the condition.

Untreated, genetic haemochromatosis can lead to toxic iron overload, where the body is unable to process excess iron. The condition can cause liver disease, cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes, severe joint pain, sexual health issues, dementia and mental health issues.

Moira-based Sean McKegney, 56, was diagnosed by chance in Spring 2022 when he saw his GP about another health issue.

“I mentioned to my GP that I had been having more and more aches and pains that could not all be attributed to old football injuries,” Sean recalled.

“He suggested a general blood test which showed that my iron levels which were over 10 times higher than normal, at which point he suggested it might be genetic haemochromatosis, something I'd never heard of up to that point.”

This month, the charity Haemochromatosis UK has launched a £300,000 multi-channel TV, press, billboard, radio and digital campaign to raise awareness of genetic haemochromatosis.

Genesis Advertising created and funded the campaign with the support of a range of media and production partners. Homebuilder Hagan Homes provided additional support to fund subsidised genetic testing kits.

This major integrated campaign is running during November on TV, radio, in regional press and on social media. Billboards introducing the public to the condition are running across Northern Ireland and on local bus routes.

Market research undertaken earlier this year by Genesis revealed that 78 per cent of people locally had not heard of the condition. The charity’s chief executive, Neil McClements said: “Early diagnosis saves lives – and every diagnosis starts with public awareness. This campaign is bringing people together to raise awareness of the symptoms of this common, but treatable, genetic condition.”

Treatment is simple and effective – a form of regular blood donation. The blood can be donated via Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) and used to help people suffering from other conditions.

Sean McKegney welcomed the charity’s awareness campaign and screening programme.

“Genetic haemochromatosis was completely unknown to me or my family so I asked them to get checked out just in case but so far so good, no one else seems to have it. I'm at the start of my journey still awaiting some routine checks for my liver but so far the experience has been more an inconvenience, venesections every other week, rather than any real issue and am still learning about it.”

The awareness campaign is being supported by a postal home-based screening programme across Northern Ireland, delivered by Haemochromatosis UK. NI residents can order a subsidised health check kit online before November 30 by visiting https://www.haemochromatosis.org.uk/get-tested-for-genetic-haemochromatosis . A home testing kit is then delivered and returned by post. Once the kit is returned, within two weeks, the charity will write with results to everyone tested and their NHS GP, with information about their personalised test results and what to do next.

For more information about genetic haemochromatosis, or support following a diagnosis, visit www.ironoverload.org.uk