Two Minutes with...Peter Carter (Global Porphyria Day)
This Global Porphyria Day, hear from Peter, Solution Architect and ITV Able member, about the condition Porphyria, which he has.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Pete Carter and I’ve been at ITV for just over seven years. I work as the Solution Architect in the Group Technology - Enterprise Platforms team and I also look after the ECP Engineering team. When I'm not working, I write technical books, having had 10 books about SQL Server published by Apress and another book in development with Manning.
What is Porphyria?
The "Porphyrias" are a group of blood disorders, with a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of Porphyria. These range from seizures and other neurological issues in Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP), through to extreme photo-sensitivity in other types of porphyria. I have a type of Porphyria called erythropoietic protoporphyria, or EPP, which means I have issues with my liver and experience a toxic reaction to daylight. Despite not being well known, some historians believe that it is responsible for the popular culture concept of Vampires. I did suggest we call this article 'Interview with a Vampire'!
How does Porphyria impact your life, day to day, inside and outside of work?
EPP causes a toxic reaction to daylight, so I have to be extremely careful not to be exposed to light. To do this, I wear gloves and a hat that covers my whole face. The hat and gloves are made out of a special material, which blocks the wavelengths of light that affect me. This can get rather hot at times and also looks a bit strange, but that's better than being locked in a dark room, delirious with pain, for around a week! In the White City office there’s a lot of natural light throughout, so I have to wear my hat and gloves whilst I'm walking around.
How does ITV support you?
ITV supports me by allowing me to work remotely during the summer and by letting me work in a meeting room that does not have natural light, when I am in the office. I’m also a member of the ITV Able network.
Why are you choosing to raise awareness about it at ITV?
I’m trying to raise awareness of the Porphyrias because tens of thousands of people suffer from them, but they are virtually unheard of in the general population in the UK. This often leads to sufferers being treated negatively.
If raising awareness can help other people with the conditions go about their daily business without negative interactions from strangers as they walk down the street, I will be very happy. The barrage of negative interactions can be extremely difficult and is often harder to deal with than the heat and discomfort of being covered up.
This month it’s also Global Porphyria Day, which is an opportunity to raise awareness to patients, healthcare professionals and the general public about the impact of porphyria.
What can colleagues who work directly or indirectly do to support you?
Colleagues can help by being aware that my vision is quite limited when I'm wearing my hat and point me in the right direction if I am disorientated. Curious questions or conversations are welcome, but flippant remarks and jokes are less helpful.
How can people at ITV find out more about Porphyria?
You can find out more about porphyria by visiting the British Porphyria Association website: porphyria.org.uk/the-eight-porphyrias/