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The family of a former Premier League goalkeeper have revealed that he is receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with two terminal illnesses.
Russell Hoult, 52, became a cult figure at both West Bromwich Albion and Derby County during his 20-year career.
But he is now facing the most difficult challenge of his life as he is suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) - a long-term disease of the liver and gallbladder - and stage four bile duct cancer.
Hoult was diagnosed with PSC in September 2023 and then was tragically dealt a second 'devastating' blow when, in August 2024, the family learned that he also has stage four bile duct cancer, which is terminal.
'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,' Hoult's 24-year-old daughter Kayleigh wrote on a JustGiving page that has been set up.
'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.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Russell Hoult (right) is battling two terminal illnesses
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His twin children Kayleigh (right) and Carter (left) are fundraising to support a crucial charity
'We want to do something positive — not only to support him but also to help others facing the same disease.'
Kayleigh, along with her twin brother Carter, set up the JustGiving page as they raise money for 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].
Hoult's children are preparing to run the Leicester Half Marathon on October 26 as part of their fundraising, which has already surpassed £7,100 from 328 donations.
The family's initial target is to reach £8,000 from their fundraising.
News of Hoult's condition has rocked the football world having earned himself a legion of fans across a 20-year career that spanned the top four levels of English football.
He began his career at Leicester City before bouncing around the lower divisions, turning out for Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City.
Hoult is perhaps best remembered for his time at Derby County in the late 1990s.
Hoult became a cult hero at West Brom (pictured) and Derby County playing in the top flight
The goalkeeper made 138 appearances for Derby and played an integral role in their promotion back to the Premier League in 1996.
Keeping his place in goal in the top flight, he went on to play 67 times in the Premier League for the Rams.
His second experience of Premier League football came with West Bromwich Albion where he played more than 70 times in the top flight across three seasons.
