Soon after retirement from his much loved professional rugby league career, Keegan was shocked to be diagnosed with Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Heart Failure. He shares his story here with Rob Underwood, speaking candidly about the mental and physical challenges he faced in acknowledging reality of the condition. Keegan also talks openly about the raw emotions he went through when coming out, both privately and publicly, as gay. He goes on to praise the value of Pride Month, in raising awareness surrounding the continuing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

For over 60 years, British Heart Foundation has led the way in transforming the outlook for people with heart and circulatory diseases. Now, with your support, we are funding vital research into inherited heart muscle conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy. Work that could lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatments and lives saved. People like Keegan are counting on this progress and with your support, we can keep pushing forward.

As a charity, BHF depends on the generosity of donors and thank you to those who already give. If you too would like to donate, you can do so by going to bhf.org.uk/donatepod. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns about your own heart or circulatory health and would like to talk to a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s free Heart Helpline, just go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline where you'll find all the contact options. Also, if you’d like to share your own heart story, or have thoughts on this episode, do email us at, thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk.

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