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<\/p>\nThousands of people in parts of Northern Ireland are being offered free testing for a disorder commonly known as the Celtic Curse.<\/p>\n
Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Northern Ireland and is mostly found in people of Irish and Scots ancestry.<\/p>\n
The disorder means a person is more at risk of absorbing too much iron and it can start to damage other parts of their body.<\/p>\n
Symptoms can range from chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, abdominal pain and skin conditions. If left untreated it can lead to serious long-term health complications.<\/p>\n
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Neil Irwin works for Haemochromatosis UK and was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago [BBC]<\/p>\n
BBC News NI previously reported on concerns that not enough people were being tested for it in Northern Ireland because of the cost<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Department of Health’s current policy is to screen for genetic haemochromatosis when a patient shows symptoms.<\/p>\n But a charity has said it is hoping to capture more information on areas of Northern Ireland where people may be undiagnosed.<\/p>\n Haemochromatosis UK will offer up to 23,500 households free genetic screening in Irvinestown, Portadown, Ballymena and Magherafelt.<\/p>\n Neil Irwin works for Haemochromatosis UK and was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago.<\/p>\n He says early diagnosis is key to allow people access to effective treatments.<\/p>\n “In recent years we have had anecdotal evidence from areas like Mid Ulster where people have been contacting us saying their area seems to have high rates of haemochromatosis,” he said.<\/p>\n “But there is a lack of official data, so we’re looking to fill in some of those blank spots in Northern Ireland that have never screened before, to paint a more detailed picture of the prevalence of the condition.”<\/p>\n ‘I knew something was wrong’<\/p>\n Collette McKnight is a mother of three who lives in rural County Down.<\/p>\n She was diagnosed with haemochromatosis in 2019.<\/p>\n “I would have had severe fatigue and pains, but I just would have put it down to being busy with the children and things like that, “he said.<\/p>\n “But then I started to develop heart palpitations and I knew something else was wrong.”<\/p>\n Collette McKnight was diagnosed with haemochromatosis in 2019 [BBC]<\/p>\n She added: “When the tests came back confirming haemochromatosis, I hadn’t a clue what it was.<\/p>\n “Everyday is different. Some days it’s joint pain, other days it’s breathing problems, but it’s always dealing with the severe fatigue and that can be very difficult.”<\/p>\n She is now treated with therapeutic blood removal, which helps lower iron levels and ease symptoms caused by the condition.<\/p>\n What is the Celtic curse?<\/p>\n The gene mutation that causes most cases of hereditary haemochromatosis is believed to have originated in the Celtic population of Europe.<\/p>\n DNA analysis of the genomes of a Bronze Age farmer on Rathlin Island off the coast of County Antrim showed that it was already established by that period.<\/p>\n Earlier still, the remains of a Neolithic woman found at Ballynahatty near Belfast show that she carried a different variant also associated with an increased risk of the disorder.<\/a><\/p>\n As part of the latest screening campaign, Haemochromatosis UK is bringing a touring photographic exhibition to Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n The exhibition, We are Overloaded, opens to the public at the Millennium Court in Portadown on 19 January.<\/p>\n![\"Collette](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/25d97f566b64dd334c926fa3bdc4c96b.jpeg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Haemochromatosis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/26b9bf20ac29fdbd03b4dd9c48ed87e8.jpeg\"\/)
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