Family give an update on Russell Hoult’s ongoing cancer battle as fans help raise thousands for the fundraiser.
The 52 year old former goalkeeper is receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in 2023.
In August 2024, he was also told that he he had stage four bile duct cancer, sadly both are now terminal and his daughter, Kayleigh, is now running a marathon in his honour. The donation page currently sits at nearly £4,000.
He played in the Premier League for Leicester City, Derby County, and West Brom, and in the Football League for clubs including Lincoln, Blackpool, Bolton, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Stoke, Notts County, Darlington, and Hereford.
After retiring, Hoult transitioned into coaching, serving as a goalkeeping coach for Hereford and later as club president and manager of Thringstone Miners Welfare.
Another day another round of chemotherapy. pic.twitter.com/AyAMTnrvfv
— Russ Hoult (@russhoult) June 4, 2025
So sad to hear about Russell Hoult, linked is his just giving page: https://t.co/fbTdWhmwxS#Notts @Official_NCFC
— Adam (@Adz03_) September 11, 2025
Kayleigh Hoult said via the JustGiving page: “This isn’t an easy post to write, but we feel it’s important to share our story.
“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.
“AMMF is the UK’s only charity dedicated to raising awareness, providing information, and funding vital research into cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The work they do is essential in supporting families like ours and driving progress towards better treatments.
“Any donation — big or small — will make a difference. Our goal is to raise as much as possible, both to honour our dad’s fight and to show him that he is never alone.
“We would be so grateful for your support in helping us reach our target. Together, we can help shine a light on this rare and devastating disease. 💛
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Very sad news 👇 Our ex goalkeeper Russell Hoult is receiving palliative care for bile duct cancer .. He’s one of our own .. A Ashby lad who played local football before joining City .. On the 20th minute (debut at 20) tomorrow we should sing his name loudly – share 🙏#lcfc 💙🦊 pic.twitter.com/4qzczHmuZv
— lcfc78lee (@lee1978lcfc) September 12, 2025
Be a nice touch to hear this ringing out around The Hawthorns tomorrow 🙏
“Olé Olé
Olé Olé
Russell Hoult Hoult Hoult” pic.twitter.com/QZjoPXz7Ao— WBA The Rainbow Stand 𓅪 (@TheRainbowStand) September 12, 2025
HOULT’S CAREER:
Youth career
–1991 – Leicester City
Senior
1991–1995 – Leicester City – 14 games
1991 → Lincoln City (loan) – 3 games
1992 → Blackpool (loan)
1992 → Cheltenham Town (loan) – 3 games
1993 → Kettering Town (loan) – 7 games
1993–1994 → Bolton Wanderers (loan) – 5 games
1994 → Lincoln City (loan) – 16 games
1995–2000 – Derby County – 138 games
2000–2001 – Portsmouth – 44 games
2001–2007 – West Bromwich Albion – 213 games
2005 → Nottingham Forest (loan) – 8 games
2007–2008 – Stoke City – 2 games
2008–2010 – Notts County – 41 games
2009 → Darlington (loan) – 6 games
2011–2012 – Hereford United
2012–2013 – Thringstone Miners Welfare
There was heartfelt reaction on social media as family give an update on Russell Hoult’s cancer battle while fans help raise thousands for the fundraiser…
@lukestokes84: Absolutely gutted to hear it. A horrible illness Stay strong Russell and remember we all love ya for what you did on that pitch at baggies – a legend.
@MikeHunt_1972: Terribly sad news. Was a good keeper in his day.
@Alan4NewportSal: One of the best keepers we have had.
@magpies_history: Some awful news breaking this evening about ex Notts County goalkeeper Russell Hoult 🙏🏻 I’m sure all Notts County fans will join me in sending Love & best wishes to Russell and his family at this very difficult time. 🙏🏻 🖤🤍
@BradleySmyj: This is one goalkeeper I looked up to as a kid. Even had his gloves which were signed by him. 😢
@Albionwestand: I was so saddened by the news of Mr. Hoult. He was, without a doubt, one of the best goalkeepers to ever wear a West Bromwich Albion Shirt. He was a brilliant player and a true legend of the club. Hoping god gives you the strength during this time. #wba
@atkinsradio: Played about 40 times for Pompey at the beginning of the century. PUP donation paid
@le_lebouf76: Such desperately sad news to read 💔 What an inspiration his daughter is to find the strength and will to run with what the family must be going through at this difficult time 💙 What a player he was for our football club 🤍 He used to live not to far from here i even drove down that road to see just were given the esteem i hold him in. 😘 #wba
@FrattonBlue: Very sad – enjoyed watching him play at #Pompey. Stay strong big man 👍💪👏👏
@TheRainbowStand: Real sad news coming out about Russell Hoult who is now receiving palliative care. God bless you @russhoult a top bloke and top keeper ❤️
@forestmad80: Very sad news, only spent a short time with us on loan at Forest but was a good keeper at West Brom and Derby. Thoughts with the family and I’ll be donating. #NFFC #WBA #DCFC
@littlewood_mark: This has stunned me, genuinely gutted 😪 @russhoult was incredible when I was a kid and instrumental in getting us to the Premier League for the first time, that back line with Big Dave, Siggy, Gilchrist, Igor & Clement was amazing!! God bless you Houlty 💙🤍 @WBA
Luke can you get sharing the below, local radio, WBA fan groups etc pic.twitter.com/iwaC9unMWP
— Popside Fanatics (@PopsideFanatics) September 11, 2025
Shirt i had off @russhoult will treasure it forever top top bloke so sad 😞 pic.twitter.com/JYw4d8rEb9
— nigel oakley (@nigeloaks) September 11, 2025
