Ex-Derby and West Brom Star 52, Receiving Palliative Care After Terminal Illness Diagnosis

A former Premier League goalkeeper has been diagnosed with two terminal illnesses and is now receiving palliative care. Russell Hoult’s family confirmed that the retired Leicester City, Derby County, and West Brom star is suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis and stage four bile duct cancer.

Hoult spent seven seasons in England’s top flight, making 141 appearances. The 52-year-old was named in the 2001/02 First Division PFA Team of the Year after helping Portsmouth achieve promotion to the Premier League. He also enjoyed spells in the Football League with Lincoln City, Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Notts County, Darlington, and Hereford United.

Retiring in 2013 after a 20-year playing career, Hoult moved into coaching, working as a goalkeeping coach for Hereford United before later serving as club president and as manager of Thringstone Miners Welfare.

Hoult Receiving Palliative Care With Just Giving Page Set Up in his Honour

Away from football, Hoult is a devoted father of two, with his children having been raising money in his honour as they are preparing to run the Leicester Half Marathon on October 26. Kayleigh, 24, said on a Just Giving page for her dad:

"We’ve been told that both conditions are terminal, and Dad is now receiving palliative care - something that’s incredibly hard for us as a family to come to terms with.

"Our dad means the world to us. His strength, courage, and sense of humour have never wavered, even in the face of such overwhelming challenges. We want to do something positive - not only to support him but also to help others facing the same disease."

Alongside twin brother, Carter, the siblings have already raised over £6,000 from 317 donations as they look to raise money for AMMF - The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity - who are the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding vital research into cholangiocarcinoma [bile duct cancer].

"On the day it is going to be a whirlwind of emotions and it will be tough but we will make sure we make it over the finish line for our dad and for this amazing charity," Kayleigh said to the BBC about the run.

"His life was football," she added. "He played in the Premier League and spent seven seasons at West Bromwich Albion where he played over 200 games and was part of two promotion-winning sides in 2002 and 2004. He is a character and never takes life seriously, he has good days and bad days but he is not giving up. He is a warrior and this helps our family to keep strong also. If he can play a round of golf, he will."

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