Family to run for terminally ill former goalkeeper

The family of a terminally ill former Premier League goalkeeper are to run a half-marathon in his honour.

Russell Hoult had stints at Leicester City, Derby County and Nottingham Forest during a career that spanned more than 20 years.

The 52-year-old, from Leicestershire, was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2023 and stage four bile duct cancer in 2024. Both illnesses are now terminal, leading to him being put on palliative care.

His daughter, Kayleigh Hoult, 24, and her twin brother Carter, are running to raise money for The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity.

“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.”

Kayleigh and Carter are training ahead of the Leicester Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 26 October.

“On the day it is going to be a whirlwind of emotions and it will be tough but we will make sure we make it over the finish line for our dad and for this amazing charity,” she said.

Hoult’s career also included spells at Notts County, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion.

“His life was football,” said Kayleigh. “He played in the Premier League and spent seven seasons at West Bromwich Albion where he played over 200 games and was part of two promotion winning sides in 2002 and 2004.

“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.”