Former Premier League goalkeeper Russell Hoult receiving palliative care after dual terminal diagnoses

Russell Hoult, a former Premier League goalkeeper, is receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with two terminal illnesses, his family said.

Hoult, 52, was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a long-term disease affecting the liver and bile ducts, in September 2023. In August 2024 the family learned he also had stage four bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. "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 daughter Kayleigh wrote on a JustGiving page set up to support the family and raise funds for research.

The family said Hoult's twin children, Kayleigh and Carter, created the JustGiving page to support AMMF — The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity — which they described as the United Kingdom's only charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research into bile duct cancer. The page says the siblings plan to run the Leicester Half Marathon on Oct. 26 as part of their fundraising efforts. As of the update published by the family, the appeal had raised more than £7,100 from 328 donations toward an initial target of £8,000.

Hoult had a 20-year professional career that brought him a prominent profile at several clubs across the top four tiers of English football. He began his career at Leicester City and later played for Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City. He made 138 appearances for Derby County and was part of the squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 1996; he played 67 Premier League matches for Derby. Hoult later featured for West Bromwich Albion, appearing more than 70 times in the top flight across three seasons and becoming a cult figure among the club's supporters.

Palliative care is focused on symptom management and quality of life for people with serious illness; it can be provided alongside other treatments or when curative options are no longer available. The family's statement emphasized Hoult's continued humour and strength and described the fundraising as a way to do "something positive — not only to support him but also to help others facing the same disease."

Cholangiocarcinoma is a relatively uncommon cancer that arises in the bile ducts. Treatments and prognosis vary according to the disease stage and individual circumstances. The family's appeal directs donations to AMMF to support awareness and research into the disease.

News of Hoult's condition has prompted reactions across the football community, where he earned a following for his performances and personality during two decades in the game. The family asked for privacy as they manage his care and thanked supporters for donations and messages of support received since the announcement.

The JustGiving page and the AMMF charity were cited by the family as the focus for fundraising; the siblings' planned participation in the Leicester Half Marathon is scheduled for Oct. 26. The family did not provide further medical details beyond the diagnoses and their current care approach.