Family To Run Half Marathon To Honour Former Keeper

 

Two of Russell Hoult's children are to take part in a half marathon at Leicester to 'honour' the former goal-keeper who is terminally ill.

Hoult was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2023 and stage four bile duct cancer in 2024.

His daughter, Kayleigh Hoult, 24, and her twin brother Carter, are running to raise money for AMMF - 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.

"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."

Towards the end of a career which included playing for West Borm, Leicester City, Derby County and Nottingham Forest, Hoult joined Hereford as goalkeeping coach.

Later he became assistant manager under Jamie Pitman. He was registered as a player and was in goal for a couple of games.