Haemochromatosis UK was founded as The Haemochromatosis Society in 1991, by people affected by genetic haemochromatosis. Our founder, Janet Furnau was recognised for her charitable work in 2014 with a MBE. Our charity is still run by people with genetic haemochromatosis.

We work to support anyone affected by the condition, across three key areas:

• Support
• Education & Awareness
• Medical Research

The charity works closely with its counterparts in other countries; it is a member of Haemochromatosis International (HI), the European Federation of Associations of Patients with Haemochromatosis (EFAPH) and the Genetic Alliance.

What is genetic haemochromatosis?

Genetic haemochromatosis (also known as "GH") is a condition where a person absorbs too much iron from the diet (they are said to "load iron"). The body cannot naturally get rid of the extra iron.  The extra iron is stored in the organs and soft tissues - this is haemochromatosis, or "iron overload". This if left untreated can be fatal