A FORMER Premier League goalkeeper has been diagnosed with two terminal illnesses and is now receiving palliative care.
Russell Hoult’s family confirmed the ex-Derby County and West Brom star is suffering with primary sclerosing cholangitis and stage four bile duct cancer.
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The 52-year-old footballer had spells across England’s top four divisions during his 20-year career.
A decade after the dad-of-two retired in September 2023, he was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Then in August 2024, the family were dealt a second “devastating” blow saying he also has stage four bile duct cancer.
Hoult’s daughter 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.”
Kayleigh and her twin brother Carter, are now set to run the Leicester Half Marathon on October 26.
They will be running 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].
The duo have already received over 230 donations totalling £4,970.
Hoult was a cult figure for Derby and West Brom as he played over 100 games for both sides.
He started his career at Leicester City, before playing on loan for several lower league sides such as Lincoln City, Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers.
But his starring role came for Derby in the mid-to-late 90s.
Hoult made 138 appearances for the Rams and played a big part in their 1996 promotion season back into the Premier League.
The proud dad went on to play 67 games in the top-flight across four years for Derby starting in the 96/97 season.
After a short stint at Portsmouth, Hoult found himself back in the Premier League after a successful season with West Brom.
The 6ft 3in goalkeeper was named in the First Division PFA Team of the Year in the 2001/2002 season as he helped earn them a promotion.
He played over 70 games in the top flight across three seasons for the Baggies and made over 200 appearances overall across seven seasons.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
After West Brom, Hoult’s playing career started to come to an end.
He managed just a handful of games each season between 2005 and 2013 when he ultimately retired as player manager of local side Thringstone Miners Welfare.
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