The football community is rallying around former goalkeeper Russell Hoult, who is now confronting the toughest challenge of his life.
The 52-year-old, known for his time at West Bromwich Albion and Derby County, has been diagnosed with two terminal conditions and is receiving palliative care.
Devastating Double Diagnosis
Hoult was first diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic disease affecting the liver and gallbladder, in September 2023.
Then, in August 2024, he and his family received heartbreaking news that he also has stage four bile duct cancer—a terminal illness.
Speaking on a JustGiving page created to support him, Hoult’s daughter Kayleigh, 24, shared, “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.”
Turning Tragedy Into Action
Determined to make a positive impact, Kayleigh and her twin brother Carter set up the fundraising page to support both their father and others affected by bile duct cancer.
The page benefits AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity, the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research into this rare cancer.
The siblings are also preparing to run the Leicester Half Marathon on October 26 as part of their fundraising efforts, which have already raised more than £7,100 from 328 donations. Their initial target is £8,000.
A Career Remembered
Hoult’s diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the football world.
He enjoyed a 20-year career across the top four tiers of English football, earning a devoted fanbase along the way.
He began at Leicester City before playing for clubs including Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, and Lincoln City.
However, he is best remembered for his time at Derby County in the late 1990s.
Hoult made 138 appearances for Derby, helping them earn promotion back to the Premier League in 1996, where he went on to play 67 top-flight matches.
He later played more than 70 Premier League games for West Bromwich Albion across three seasons, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and passionate goalkeeper.
Football Community Rallies Behind Hoult
Fans, former teammates, and clubs have expressed their support for Hoult and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
His courage and spirit, both on and off the pitch, have inspired many to contribute to the fundraising effort and raise awareness for cholangiocarcinoma.