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At Hagan Homes, supporting the wellbeing of the communities we build in has always mattered to us. From January 2026, we’re proud to support a major public health initiative that will offer free genetic screening for haemochromatosis, Northern Ireland’s most common inherited condition, to thousands of households across selected postcodes.
Haemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is a genetic condition where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. Over time, this excess iron can build up in vital organs and significantly increase the risk of serious health complications, including liver disease, diabetes, heart and bowel disorders.
While some people experience symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory or concentration issues, abdominal pain, or changes in mood and wellbeing, many people show no obvious symptoms at all until damage has already occurred. Early detection is therefore critical.
Research by Haemochromatosis UK has previously shown that one in 10 people in Northern Ireland carry the genetics that put them most at risk of developing iron overload.
Thanks to the support of Hagan Homes and other donors, Haemochromatosis UK will offer up to 23,500 households a free genetic screening test, which would normally cost £129 per person.
From January 2026, households in selected postcodes across Irvinestown, Portadown, Ballymena and Magherafelt will receive information about haemochromatosis, alongside an invitation to take part in the screening.
The programme also includes access to genetic counselling, helping individuals and families understand their results and next steps.
James Hagan, Founder of Hagan Homes, shared a deeply personal connection to the decision to support the campaign:
“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.”
As part of the wider awareness campaign, Haemochromatosis UK will bring its touring photographic exhibition, We are Overloaded, to Millennium Court. The exhibition will be open to the public from 19 January 2026 and aims to give a powerful, human insight into life with haemochromatosis.
Local volunteer Finbar Polin, who is featured in the exhibition, has spoken openly about his own experience:
“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.”
This new screening initiative builds on earlier awareness work carried out in 2023 and 2024, including the Funny Name, Serious Condition campaign, which significantly increased public understanding of haemochromatosis across Northern Ireland.
By supporting further screening in selected postcodes, Hagan Homes is helping to identify families at risk, improve local understanding of the condition, and ultimately support earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.
As Jonathan Jelly MBE JP, CEO of Haemochromatosis UK, explains:
“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, our screening, awareness and family support work simply couldn't happen to this extent.”
We’re proud to play a small part in an initiative that has the potential to make a lasting difference to families and communities across Northern Ireland.
