David Battie, a former expert on Antiques Roadshow, has faced a series of significant health challenges over the years, including enduring nine major surgeries and managing a lifelong genetic condition. Now 83, Battie became a well-known figure on television, having appeared on the first episode of Antiques Roadshow in 1977 and continuing as a regular contributor until his retirement in 2020. He lives with haemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads the body to absorb too much iron.

This excessive iron gradually accumulates in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. If left untreated, the condition can result in severe complications, including damage to the liver and pancreas, as well as heart problems. Discussing his health with Antibiotic Research UK, Battie explained, “Both of my parents were carriers of the haemochromatosis gene, which meant I inherited the blood disorder at birth. It causes iron to accumulate around the organs until, if unchecked, you might not wake up one morning.”

Haemochromatosis is also known to lead to diabetes, a chronic ailment that Battie contends with. Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent condition characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels, which can increase the risk of serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, and nerves.

Battie shared, “A possible consequence of haemochromatosis is type 2 diabetes, which I have developed. A challenge of diabetes is the reduced resistance to infection, and antibiotics may not be effective.”

Additionally, Battie continues to manage the long-term effects of injuries from a fall in 2013, when he slipped on wet grass and fractured his right leg.

David was first taken to a hospital in Norwich for emergency treatment before being transferred to Brighton. He spent more than six months in hospital and had scaffold rods drilled into his leg for support.

But his condition soon deteriorated when he developed a severe infection. Despite undergoing nine gruelling operations and being given antibiotics both orally and intravenously, the infection didn’t improve.

The ceramics expert eventually became antibiotic-resistant, meaning the medication was no longer effective and doctors informed him they wanted to amputate his leg.

Determined to avoid this, David chose to undergo a 10-hour operation, which left him with a flap of skin, roughly the size of half a peach, sticking out of his leg just above the ankle.

Although the surgery allowed him to walk again, the injury left lasting consequences. Persistent pain in both legs continues to affect him, often leaving him fatigued.

David admitted he was “amazed” to have ended up which so many complications from a fall “where most people would just fall down and go ‘Ow.’”