On 2nd April 2023 I will be running the London Landmarks half marathon for Haemochromatosis UK (HUK), in memory of my father-in-law Allan Mottram who sadly passed away in November 2022 from liver cancer caused by Haemochromatosis.

Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic condition in the UK, causing the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. This can build up to toxic levels in the body organs leading to arthritis, diabetes, liver disease and liver cancer. Haemochromatosis iron overload is preventable if diagnosed early, however it is often diagnosed late or misdiagnosed. For most people, treatment for genetic haemochromatosis is simple and effective; it’s a form of regular blood donation known as “venesection”.

In the UK, it is thought that approximately 250,000 people are at risk of Genetic Haemochromatosis, although many are undiagnosed, and the risk is higher for men than women. People with Celtic ancestry are also more likely to be affected.

HUK provide much needed support and information to patients and their families. HUK help to educate both people affected and health professionals, raise public awareness, and encourage research of this debilitating genetic condition. Neil Griffith