Thousands of NI households offered free genetic screening for most common inherited condition

(L-R) Neil Irwin, Philanthropy Manager, Haemochromatosis UK and James Hagan, Founder of Hagan Homes.

Thousands of households across Northern Ireland are to be offered free genetic screening for haemochromatosis, the region’s most common inherited condition, as part of a major early-detection initiative launching in January 2026.

The programme, delivered by Haemochromatosis UK and supported by Hagan Homes and other donors, will offer up to 23,500 households in selected postcodes across Irvinestown, Portadown, Ballymena and Magherafelt access to genetic testing that would normally cost £129 per person.

Haemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is a genetic condition in which the body absorbs too much iron from food. Over time, excess iron can accumulate in vital organs, significantly increasing the risk of serious health problems including chronic fatigue, joint pain, liver disease, diabetes, heart and bowel disorders, as well as symptoms such as brain fog and changes in mood and wellbeing.

While some people experience no obvious symptoms in the early stages, others may develop fatigue, memory and concentration problems, abdominal pain, joint pain or skin conditions. If left untreated, the condition can lead to long-term and potentially life-threatening complications.

One in 10 at risk in Northern Ireland

Haemochromatosis UK has previously found that one in 10 people in Northern Ireland carry the genetic changes that put them most at risk of developing iron overload, with many remaining undiagnosed until organ damage has already occurred.

Thanks to funding from Hagan Homes and other supporters, the charity is able to fully cover the cost of genetic testing for those living in the selected postcodes.

Eligible households will receive information through the post about haemochromatosis and be offered a free test, alongside access to genetic counselling to help individuals understand their results.

Personal motivation behind campaign support

James Hagan, Founder of Hagan Homes, said the decision to support the screening programme was driven by a deeply personal experience.

“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.”

Community partners welcome screening initiative

Local organisations are also supporting the campaign, with ARC Healthy Living Centre playing a key role in Irvinestown.

Jenny Irvine, CEO of ARC Healthy Living Centre, 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.”

‘We Are Overloaded’ exhibition comes to Portadown

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

The exhibition highlights the real-life experiences of people living with haemochromatosis and aims to challenge misconceptions around the condition.

Local man Finbar Polin, a volunteer with the charity and one of those featured in the exhibition, was instrumental in bringing it to Portadown. Reflecting on his own diagnosis, 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.”

Building on previous awareness campaigns

The new screening programme builds on Haemochromatosis UK’s Funny Name, Serious Condition public awareness campaign, delivered in 2023 and 2024 by Genesis Advertising and media partners.

That campaign significantly increased public recognition of haemochromatosis across Northern Ireland, with Hagan Homes also supporting screening at that time.

The charity says the latest phase will not only help identify families with the underlying genetic risk, but also improve understanding of how widespread the condition is locally.

Call for wider screening

In February 2025, Haemochromatosis UK published a report recommending genetic screening for everyone in their forties in Northern Ireland, citing the high prevalence of the condition and the benefits of early detection.

Jonathan Jelly MBE JP, CEO of Haemochromatosis UK, 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.”

Founded in 1990, Haemochromatosis UK is the largest patient-led charity supporting people affected by genetic haemochromatosis.

Further information is available at:

https://www.haemochromatosis.org.uk/