Free genetic haemochromatosis screening — NI’s most common inherited condition

Haemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is caused by a genetic condition where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. If not detected early, excess iron can build up in the body and significantly increase the risk of serious ill health, including chronic fatigue, joint pain, liver disease, diabetes, heart and bowel disorders, alongside symptoms such as brain fog and impacts on mood and wellbeing for many patients.

While some people have no obvious symptoms, others may experience chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory or concentration issues, abdominal pain and skin conditions. If left untreated, the condition can lead to serious long-term health complications.

Haemochromatosis UK has previously found that one in 10 people in Northern Ireland carry the underlying genetics that put them most at risk of developing iron overload, although many people have no symptoms until damage has already occurred.

Thanks to the support of Hagan Homes and other funders, Haemochromatosis UK is able to cover the full cost of genetic testing, which would normally cost £129 per person.

James Hagan, Founder of Hagan Homes, expressed a deeply personal connection to the decision to support the awareness campaign.

He said: “Someone very close to me was recently diagnosed with genetic haemochromatosis — despite having no symptoms. Their experience highlights exactly why this campaign is so important. Most people affected have no warning signs, yet the potential consequences can be extremely serious if the condition goes undetected.

“At Hagan Homes, we are committed to supporting our community. When I learned more about the campaign’s significance — and its relevance to someone I care about — it was clear that lending our support was the right thing to do.”

Households in the relevant postcodes will receive information about genetic haemochromatosis and will be offered a free genetic test, alongside access to genetic counselling to help them understand their results.

Speaking about the new screening project, Jenny Irvine, CEO, ARC Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown, said: "ARC Staff and Directors are delighted to be working with Hemochromatosis UK to encourage people in the Irvinestown area to avail of free screening. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about what is a very prevalent but under diagnosed genetic condition."

As part of the campaign, Haemochromatosis UK will also bring its touring photographic exhibition, We are Overloaded, to Millennium Court in Portadown, with public viewing available from January 19, 2026.

Local man Finbar Polin was instrumental in bringing the We are Overloaded exhibition to Portadown and is an active volunteer for the charity. He is one of the people featured in the exhibition and previously shared his story with Haemochromatosis UK.

Speaking about his experience, he said: "It’s scary because it affects you mentally; you don't know where you are going with it... the next thing I knew I was diagnosed with diabetes. A lot of doctors don't know about it unfortunately. I got involved with the charity, it’s good to know there are people to talk to."

In 2023 and 2024, Haemochromatosis UK ran a public awareness campaign generously conceived and delivered by Belfast-headquartered Genesis Advertising and media partners, titled Funny Name, Serious Condition, which significantly increased public recognition of the condition. Hagan Homes supported screening at that time and is now backing further screening in selected Northern Ireland postcodes. The programme will not only help identify families with the underlying genetics, but also improve understanding of the prevalence of haemochromatosis locally.

Speaking about the screening, CEO of Haemochromatosis UK, Jonathan Jelly MBE JP, said: "We are very grateful to Hagan Homes for their generosity in supporting this campaign, we simply couldn't do it without them. We receive no NHS funding and without this support and other funders like Halifax Foundation for NI and The National Lottery Community Fund, our screening, awareness and family support work simply couldn't happen to this extent."