Two former Northern Ireland athletes have spoken about the heart conditions that ended their playing careers.

Kevin McCloy, a Derry GAA player, collapsed during a county championship match in 2014 at age 35. He suffered eight cardiac arrests and was later diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis.

Doctors fitted McCloy with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after surgery. His heart function later declined, leading to a diagnosis of heart failure.

Simon Best, a former Ulster and Ireland rugby player, experienced stroke-like symptoms at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. Tests revealed an irregular heart rhythm.

Best spent six days in a French hospital. He chose to stop medication after a year and has reported no further symptoms since.

Both men are supporting the British Heart Foundation's 'Keep Us Beating' campaign. The charity marked its 65th anniversary by placing 65 red benches across the UK.

McCloy said cardiovascular disease can affect anyone at any time. Best noted the importance of family history in his own case.