Dave’s Kilimanjaro Challenge for Haemochromatosis

After many tests and scans, Dave Doyle’s daughter Kate, from Gorey, Co. Wexford was diagnosed with haemochromatosis at 15 years old in 2022. Dave said, ‘It was a shock at first, but because haemochromatosis is a treatable condition, we knew that Kate would go on to live a normal and happy life. We just got on with things’.

Although Dave knew about haemochromatosis before Kate’s diagnosis, he wanted to find out more. He researched the condition and got genetically tested after several family members were tested positive for haemochromatosis. Dave and his wife Marie both discovered that they were carriers and passed the two genes onto Kate.

Before diagnosis, Kate’s energy levels were very low and she felt sluggish and tired all the time. Once diagnosed, she started venesection treatment and began to get a significant boost in energy. Dave and mum Marie were delighted to see Kate back to her old self and is now getting on with life as a teenager and young adult.

‘We have to spread more awareness of haemochromatosis and encourage everyone to get tested where there is a history of haemochromatosis in families. In my case, I faced a learning curve when I wanted to know more about the symptoms and how to get tested.’

Inspiration

Dave and his wife Maria were inspired by Kate to do something big, something impactful that would raise more awareness and funds for haemochromatosis in Ireland. Dave decided to climb the highest mountain in Tanzania in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. He joined Derek Cullen’s expedition team and prepared for the biggest challenge of his life! ‘I put a lot of time into preparing myself for this trip, both mentally and physically. Because I’m self-employed I also had to put my work and my clients on hold until I got back. There was a lot to organise but my wonderful wife Marie did all the online fundraising and posting on social media to update everyone on my progress!’

Highlights

‘The whole trip was amazing, but not without its low points! I got quite sick with a serious chest infection when we started the climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, but I battled on. I was determined to get to the top and on Day 2 I recovered enough to keep going, despite a rising fever. I lost my voice for about 3 weeks after I came back.’

Dave stayed on in Tanzania after the climb to explore and experience more of Tanzanian culture, visiting Masai villages, Serengeti Park and local schools. ‘I would recommend the Kilimanjaro Climb to anyone looking to challenge themselves and raise awareness of a great cause. This challenge is tough and testing, but you will never regret pushing yourself to your outer limits! I’m already planning my next adventure.’

Sincere thanks to Dave, Kate, Marie and family for raising an amazing €1,105 to support the work of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association. If you would like to undertake a challenge to raise more awareness of haemochromatosis, please get in touch and email us: [email protected]