Dad-of-three reveals how giving blood helped him get diagnosed with the 'Celtic Curse'

Sunday World

a day ago

Ireland has the highest prevalence of haemochromatosis — sometimes called the 'Celtic Curse' — in the world, with 1 in 83 people at risk and 1 in 5 carrying the gene.
'Once you know you have it, it's fine — because it is so treatable.'
Everyone knows that giving blood saves lives, but what Jim Jackman could never have realised was that this selfless act of generosity would also save his own.
The 68-year-old former RTÉ broadcast technician and father of three was diagnosed with haemochromatosis eight years ago — a genetic disorder where the body absorbs and stores too much iron.
Over time, that iron builds up in vital organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas, leading to irreversible damage — or even premature death. It's a slow, silent killer, often misdiagnosed as fatigue, arthritis, or depression.
Spotlighting his life with the disease in light of World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week (1–7 June 2025), the Dubliner wants people to realise just how common this life-threatening affliction is — and how important it is to know the symptoms. It could just save your life.
'I was diagnosed with haemochromatosis eight years ago and I'm alive for two reasons. Number one, I had a good GP who picked up on it, and the other reason I'm alive is I was a blood donor all my life.'
Jim says it's important to know about the condition
Ireland has the highest prevalence of haemochromatosis — sometimes called the 'Celtic Curse' — in the world, with 1 in 83 people at risk and 1 in 5 carrying the gene. Yet despite being Ireland's most common genetic condition, it remains alarmingly undiagnosed.
Jim's family history tells a tragic story of the dangers of the condition when it goes undetected.
'My dad died when he was 58. He was a member of An Garda Síochána, and he just always had terrible stomach problems. It wasn't known about then, so he died at the age of 58. His father died aged 57. I do count myself as lucky. I feel sorry for my father that he died so young. I feel so privileged to still be alive so I can spend time with my family and watch my beautiful grandchildren grow up — I'll forever be grateful for that.'
Damage from iron overload can be serious and irreversible. After diagnosis, patients often undergo scans to assess organ health.
'The first thing that happens is they send you for liver scans and scans of your body to see what damage is done. It goes into all your organs. It will eventually kill you. So once you know you have it, it's fine — because it is so treatable. I will never forget how worried my wife was. At sixty years of age, we thought there had to be damage done, but everything came back clear.'
'Once you know you have it, it's fine — because it is so treatable.'
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Although haemochromatosis is treatable, many go undiagnosed for decades. It's estimated that over 20,000 people in Ireland could be living with it unknowingly — a fact Jim finds shocking, especially given how easily it can be picked up.
'When my GP checked my ferritin levels, they came back as 1,400, whereas the normal level in men ranges from 30–300. That's when my blood was sent off for a genetic test to confirm it.'
Jim had been donating blood since he was 18. Ironically, that may have saved his life — but it's a fact that frustrates him too.
'I was giving blood from the age of 18 for about 42 years… The cure for haemochromatosis is to give blood because basically your body is full of this poison… And the way you get rid of too much iron in your body is to give a pint of blood.
"I was doing that for many years and it was obviously helping me. If I hadn't done that, I think by 60, the damage would be irreversible. But it surely should have been picked up on during all that time.'
One in 83 Irish people is at risk of haemochromatosis
Urging family and friends to get tested, it was discovered that the condition was also prevalent in his own family.
'I told my sister and she got checked, and her levels were crazy high — crazy high. My children were also tested: my daughter has haemochromatosis, and my son is a carrier of the gene.'
Haemochromatosis can mimic many common conditions, like arthritis or chronic fatigue. For Jim, the symptoms were masked by another illness.
'I'm a bit complicated from the perspective that I have rheumatoid arthritis. So one of the symptoms of haemochromatosis is stiffness… and feeling tired, lack of sexual, no interest in sex.'
Once diagnosed, treatment is simple: regular removal of blood — just like donating.
'For me, it's two times a year. For my sister Maura, it's about four times.'
Jim believes more awareness is critical and wants haemochromatosis included in Ireland's newborn heel-prick test — something already being considered in the UK.
'The heel prick test is done to pick up on certain life-threatening conditions… They're starting to do it in England now — they test for haemochromatosis.'
Jim's story isn't just about his own health — it's about legacy. He urges families to talk, test, and take action early.
'The main thing about haemochromatosis is it's the best condition you could have — because once you know you have it, you can deal with it… There's nothing to be afraid of. What there is to be afraid of is finding out later in life… and what damage it's already done.'
Professor John Ryan, Consultant Hepatologist, explains the need to be vigilant about symptoms that could potentially save your life:
'Because early symptoms of haemochromatosis — such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, and low mood — can be non-specific and attributed to many other causes, haemochromatosis can be initially difficult to diagnose. Most people don't have any symptoms, as the iron builds up very gradually over years. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you have a history of haemochromatosis in your family, go to your GP and ask for an iron profile blood test. If your ferritin and transferrin saturation levels are elevated, a genetic test is recommended to confirm a diagnosis of haemochromatosis.'
The Irish Haemochromatosis Association (IHA) is a life-changing medical charity and support group for haemochromatosis patients and their families. For more information, see haemochromatosis.ie.