A powerful new portrait exhibition at the Ulster Hospital is helping to raise awareness of Haemochromatosis by sharing the personal stories of people living with the condition.
The exhibition was officially launched during International Haemochromatosis Awareness Week, with Journalist Donna Traynor joining patients featured in the portraits, South Eastern Trust Chairman Jonathan Patton, representatives from Haemochromatosis UK and Arts Care NI to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Located outside the MRI Corridor in the Main Hospital Building, the exhibition will remain at the Ulster Hospital until the end of July before moving to Belfast City Hospital.
Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. Without treatment, excess iron can build up in organs including the liver, heart and pancreas, potentially causing serious health problems. Symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain and abdominal pain, although many people remain undiagnosed for years because symptoms can be vague and develop gradually.
Among those featured in the exhibition is Leah Grant, who lives with Haemochromatosis. Leah said, “For me, taking part in the exhibition was a simple way to help raise awareness of Haemochromatosis. Standing in front of a camera is not something I would usually choose to do, but it was an opportunity to help show the people behind the condition. It is not just a name, there are real lives impacted by it.
“I am really proud to be part of the exhibition. If it encourages even one person to stop, read the stories and think about whether they should get checked, then it is worthwhile. Raising awareness can make a real difference.”
South Eastern Trust, Chairman, Jonathan Patton, welcomed the exhibition to the Ulster Hospital, “It is a real privilege for us at the Ulster Hospital to host this exhibition by Haemochromatosis UK. These portraits and life stories provide a powerful insight into the experiences of people living with this condition.
“The artwork is striking and helps bring the stories behind the diagnosis to life. We often hear statistics and numbers, but every person represented in the exhibition has their own unique journey. Seeing these faces and reading their stories is both moving and educational and we are delighted to provide a space where staff, patients and visitors can learn more about Haemochromatosis.”
Journalist, Donna Traynor, who has Haemochromatosis herself, lent her support to the awareness campaign and stated, “I am delighted that the Ulster Hospital is hosting this exhibition. The portraits, created by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Cathal McNaughton, feature people who are living with Haemochromatosis or carry the gene associated with the condition.
“Haemochromatosis is an iron overload condition that can have a significant impact on people’s lives. The important thing is knowing you have it because the symptoms can be confusing and are often mistaken for other conditions. I discovered my own diagnosis by accident.
“This exhibition will help people learn more about Haemochromatosis and perhaps recognise symptoms in themselves or a family member. The more awareness we can create, the more people can be tested and treated.
“The portraits themselves are remarkable. Each image tells a story. While every person featured is unique, there is a shared connection through their experience of Haemochromatosis. The photographs are both powerful and deeply personal.”
Arts Care NI, Chief Executive, Barry Macaulay, who also lives with Haemochromatosis, explained how the exhibition came to the Ulster Hospital, “Arts Care NI operates galleries across a number of hospitals, including the Ulster Hospital. When I saw that Haemochromatosis UK had developed this photographic exhibition, I immediately recognised the opportunity to combine art, health and awareness.
“As someone who has Haemochromatosis myself, I understand the importance of increasing public understanding of the condition. We were delighted to work with Haemochromatosis UK to bring the exhibition to the Ulster Hospital and then on to Belfast City Hospital later in the year.
“There is no doubt that exhibitions like this encourage people to think about their own health and family history. I was fortunate that my brother’s diagnosis led me to get tested. Many people are living with Haemochromatosis and simply do not know it. If this exhibition encourages more people to seek testing, it will have achieved something very important.”
Neil Irwin from Haemochromatosis UK thanked Donna Traynor, Arts Care NI and the South Eastern Trust for supporting the exhibition and helping to share the stories of people affected by iron overload. Neil added, “It was alarming for us to learn just how common the genetics associated with Haemochromatosis are in this part of the world. Research by the University of Edinburgh has identified Northern Ireland and North West Ireland among the areas most at risk.
“By sharing the experiences of people living with Haemochromatosis, we hope to increase understanding of the condition and encourage more people to seek testing and diagnosis.”