CANNON HALL FARM FAMILY RALLIES AROUND FARMER RUTH AS HUSBAND DAVE BATTLES TERMINAL CANCER

Farmer Ruth, a much-loved member of the Cannon Hall Farm family, has received an outpouring of support after revealing that her husband, Dave, has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.

Fans of Cannon Hall Farm have rallied around Farmer Ruth and her family following devastating news about her husband, Dave.

Ruth is well known to followers of the South Yorkshire farm through its social media channels and television appearances, where she has shared her work caring for animals and life on the farm.

But behind the scenes, Ruth and her family are now facing an incredibly difficult period after Dave was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.

According to a fundraising appeal established to support the family, Dave is currently undergoing intensive treatment, including daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The news was shared with the Cannon Hall Farm community earlier this year, prompting an immediate wave of messages, donations and support.

‘FARMER RUTH IS A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE CANNON HALL FARM FAMILY’

Cannon Hall Farm paid tribute to Ruth while sharing the news with its followers.

The farm said that anyone who had met Ruth, watched her caring for animals online or simply followed her work would know how important she is to the Cannon Hall Farm family.

The farm described Ruth as a “very special part” of the community and asked supporters to consider helping her family during what it described as an exceptionally difficult time.

Ruth and Dave have two sons, and the family is now facing considerable uncertainty as Dave continues his treatment.

The fundraising appeal said its purpose was not only to help financially but also to give the family some freedom to concentrate on what matters most — spending time together and making memories.

SUPPORTERS RAISE THOUSANDS FOR THE FAMILY

A GoFundMe campaign, organised by Jacqui Tymon on behalf of Maryann Bestford, was launched on July 10, 2026.

The appeal has a target of £24,000.

The latest available figures show that it has raised approximately £19,843 from 1,021 donors, meaning supporters have contributed more than 80% of the target.

The appeal specifically says that the money will be available for Ruth and her family to use in whatever way helps them most in the months ahead.

Organisers said the goal was to ease some of the pressure facing the family while allowing Ruth, Dave and their children to focus on being together.

They also emphasised that people should only donate what they can afford, adding that every donation, share and message of support would mean something to the family.

RUTH THANKS FANS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

After the news became public, Ruth addressed supporters in an Instagram video.

She thanked people who had left messages and contributed to the fundraiser following Dave’s diagnosis.

The response has demonstrated how closely the Cannon Hall Farm community has followed Ruth’s work over the years.

Many supporters know her not simply as someone who works at the farm, but as a familiar face who regularly shares moments from daily life with animals and the wider farming community.

CANNON HALL FARM HAS FACED OTHER HEARTBREAKING MOMENTS

The latest family crisis comes during a year in which the Cannon Hall Farm team has already experienced several emotional moments.

In July, Farmer Rob became visibly upset after learning that Ruby the horse would need to be euthanised because of a serious deterioration in her condition.

Rob explained at the time that Ruby was on three legs and that, after speaking with her veterinary team, he believed euthanasia was the kindest decision.

The farm has also previously suffered the loss of much-loved animals.

In February 2022, the farm announced the death of Lottie, a giant 19-hand Shire horse, after a sudden decline in her health.

In June 2025, the family also mourned Herkules, a three-year-old stallion who died after struggling to recover from colic.

These experiences have often been shared openly with the farm’s followers, giving viewers an insight into both the joy and heartbreak involved in caring for animals.

THE NICHOLSON FAMILY’S LONG CONNECTION TO THE FARM

Cannon Hall Farm is a family-run attraction in South Yorkshire with a history spanning generations.

The farm’s own website says its farmers have more than 100 years of combined experience and include brothers Richard, David and Robert Nicholson, along with their father Roger.

The family has become familiar to television audiences through programmes including Springtime on the Farm and The Yorkshire Vet.

Farmer Ruth is part of the wider team whose work has helped connect the farm with thousands of visitors and online followers.

That relationship has now translated into a huge wave of support for Ruth and her family.

A FAMILY FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The fundraising appeal says Ruth, Dave and their two sons are facing a period of profound uncertainty.

The campaign organisers said they hoped the support would help reduce some of the pressures surrounding the family and allow them to focus on spending precious time together.

For many people who have followed Cannon Hall Farm, the situation has also been a reminder that the cheerful moments shared online represent only one part of the lives of the people behind them.

Ruth has continued to thank supporters for their kindness as her family navigates Dave’s treatment.

For now, the message from the Cannon Hall Farm community is clear: Ruth and her family are not facing this difficult period alone.

With the fundraiser already approaching its £24,000 goal and more than 1,000 people having donated, supporters continue to leave messages of encouragement for Ruth, Dave and their two sons.

The family has not publicly shared further details about Dave’s prognosis beyond the description of his diagnosis and ongoing treatment.