Ex-Premier League star in palliative care after being diagnosed with two terminal illnesses

Former Premier League goalkeeper Russell Hoult is receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with two terminal illnesses.

Hoult, 52, played for Leicester, Derby, Notts County, Portsmouth and West Brom during a long and successful playing career. He played across England’s top four divisions over 20 years and made 141 appearances in the Premier League.

The ex-goalkeeper was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2023 and stage four bile duct cancer in 2024. Sadly, both conditions are now deemed terminal and Hoult is in palliative care.

His daughter Kayleigh and son Carter, both 24, are running the Leicester Half Marathon to raise money for AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity. Kayleigh wrote on a Just Giving page: “This isn’t an easy post to write, but we feel it’s important to share our story.

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“In September 2023, our amazing dad, Russell Hoult, was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Almost a year later, in August 2024, we received the devastating news that he also has Stage 4 Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma).

“Most recently, 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.

“That’s why, on 26th October 2025, we will be running a half marathon in his honour, raising money for AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity.”

At the time of writing, the page had achieved donations of £7,089 from 322 people. “He is overwhelmed by the fundraising and how much we have raised so far and we as a family are really hoping for as much as we can to raise for such a good cause,” Kayleigh told the BBC. “My dad is an absolutely amazing guy inside and out and has always been a role model to myself and my brother.

“There is never a dull moment with my dad – even through the toughest times he is so positive and happy. He is such a laugh and loves to crack jokes every day of his life, he is an absolute legend in every way possible.”

She added: “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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