The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding-based charity has won a major national award for its work for people diagnosed with a genetic condition causing too much iron in the body.
Haemochromatosis UK is a national charity and works to improve both the diagnosis and care of those with the condition.
It was chosen from more than 350 charities across the UK as one of ten winners of the 2022 GSK Impact Awards, which recognise the work of small and medium charities working to improve health and wellbeing.
The winners receive £40,000 unrestricted funding as well as expert support and leadership provided by health and care charity The King’s Fund.
Genetic haemochromatosis is the most common undiagnosed inheritable condition in the UK. One in 150 people are affected but fewer than one in 20 are diagnosed.
The condition causes iron overload which can lead to cancer, liver disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes, acute joint pain, sexual health problems and mental health issues.
Haemochromotosis UK is the only provider of support services for those affected in the country. It has specialist online resources to help people manage and live well with the condition.
“We are thrilled that the charity has been recognised with this prestigious award. It’s a testament to the hard work of our small team, in a year which has been particularly challenging due to the pandemic,” said
Neil McCLements, chief executive of the charity.
“We’d like to thank the judges for recognising our innovative approach to serving the genetic haemochromatosis community,” he added.
The charity runs a popular online support group, Iron Brew, where people can share experiences and advice and over the past year it has supported more than 9,500 people.
“The charity is unique in providing support to people across the UK affected by this very prevalent, but little-known, genetic condition. Despite its small size, its innovative genetic testing services and education programmes for health care professionals are helping to drive up diagnosis rates and dramatically changing lives,” said Katie Pinnock, director of UK Charitable Partnerships at GSK.
This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of the GSK Impact awards.
The judging process included a rigorous assessment, including a half-day discussion with an independent assessor.
