Meath football legend raising awareness of 20,000 people living with undiagnosed 'iron overload'

It is estimated that 20,000 people in Ireland are living with undiagnosed cases of haemochromatosis or “iron overload.” Haemochromatosis is the nation’s most common genetic condition yet still remains one of the lesser known amongst the population.

In Ireland, one in five people are carriers, equating to a massive 20% of the population, and one in 83 people are predisposed to develop it. Ireland has the highest rates of this genetic disorder in the world, giving it the nickname ‘the Celtic Gene’. Recent research also shows that up to one in 10 people in Northern Ireland are at risk of having genetic haemochromatosis.

Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where large amounts of iron are absorbed from the diet into vital organs, in other words “iron overload.” Early diagnosis is vital and if left untreated, iron overload can lead to organ damage or even premature death.

The Irish Haemochromatosis Association aims to raise awareness of the condition and is urging people to “get checked for haemochromatosis” and understand the symptoms in order to save lives – symptoms that range from chronic tiredness and joint pain, to abdominal pain and irregular heartbeat.

This year several city and county councils throughout the country supporting the campaign and joining the wider, international initiative to ‘Light Up Red,’ lit up several iconic public buildings during World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week.

Speaking about the awareness drive for World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week, Dr Maurice Manning, who lives with haemochromatosis and is current chair of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association says: “Ireland has more cases than anywhere else in the world, that’s why it is vital that no Irish person should go undiagnosed. Our aim is for everyone to understand what haemochromatosis is and to be aware of its prevalence in Ireland. Haemochromatosis, once diagnosed can be successfully treated and patients go on to live their lives to the full, without any impact.”

“If anyone seeing this campaign and recognises any of the symptoms seek medical advice. Simply make an appointment with your GP and take a blood test. It could make all the difference.”

Dr John Ryan, Consultant in Hepatology and Gastroenterology at Beaumont Hospital, comments,“Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition, more common in Ireland than in the rest of the world. When an individual has the affected gene, iron can build up in the body, potentially damaging the liver, heart and other organs. If haemochromatosis is identified at an early stage, it is easily treatable.

The public can support the vital work of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association, by making a donation to its work on the charity’s website www.haemochromatosis.ie or by donating via the Text to Donate service, Text ‘IRON’ to 50300 to donate €4. Funds raised will be used to support the IHA Helpline and provide information and resources for patients and their families.

Alternatively, the IHA are also encouraging members of the Irish community to come together with friends and family and host a small coffee morning during World Haemochromatosis Week, in an effort to raise awareness and potentially, funds, to assist the charity in their work throughout the year.

The Irish Haemochromatosis Association was established over 25 years ago. Volunteers and Ambassadors such as David Beggy, GAA All Star, Mark Cagney, former RTE Presenter and Paul Harrington, musician, songwriter and former Eurovision songwriter winner, who all have Haemochromatosis, have promoted awareness of the disorder throughout recent years.