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

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

Ruth, a much-loved member of the Cannon Hall Farm community, is known to thousands of followers through the farm’s social media channels and television appearances, where she regularly shares her work caring for animals.

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

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

“A VERY SPECIAL PART” OF THE FARM FAMILY

Cannon Hall Farm shared the heartbreaking news with its followers while paying tribute to Ruth and the role she has played at the farm.

The farm said that people who had met Ruth, watched her care for animals online or simply followed her work would know that she is a “very special part” of the Cannon Hall Farm family.

The message also highlighted the difficult circumstances Ruth and her family are now facing and directed supporters toward a fundraising campaign created to help them.

Ruth and Dave have two sons, and the family is now trying to navigate Dave’s treatment while making the most of their time together.

SUPPORTERS RALLY AROUND THE FAMILY

A GoFundMe campaign was established in July 2026 with a target of £24,000.

The appeal was created to provide financial support to Ruth and her family during what organisers described as an exceptionally difficult period.

Rather than restricting the money to a particular expense, the fundraiser says the funds will be available for Ruth and her family to use in whatever way helps them most in the months ahead.

The latest figures available show the campaign at around £19,843 from more than 1,000 donors, putting it well on its way toward its target.

The scale of the response reflects the connection many people have developed with Ruth through Cannon Hall Farm over the years.

For supporters who have watched her work with animals and appear in the farm’s online content, the news has been deeply personal.

A YEAR OF HEARTBREAK AT CANNON HALL FARM

The news about Dave comes during an emotional year for the Nicholson family and the wider Cannon Hall Farm team.

The farm has recently experienced several difficult losses involving its much-loved Shire horses.

In July, Farmer Rob became visibly upset after the team determined that Ruby the horse would need to be put to sleep following a serious deterioration in her health.

The farm’s official website has since described the past few months as “incredibly difficult” for its Shire horses. It recently hosted an evening event with equine vet Marco to discuss some of the challenges the team had faced, including the loss of much-loved animals.

The farm has also previously mourned the deaths of other animals.

Lottie, a giant 19-hand Shire horse, was put to sleep in 2022 following a sudden decline in health. In 2025, the family announced the death of three-year-old stallion Herkules after he struggled to recover from colic.

A FAMILY FARM WITH A HUGE FOLLOWING

Cannon Hall Farm has become one of Yorkshire’s best-known family attractions, with the Nicholson family sharing much of their daily life with the public.

Its official website continues to list regular events and activities, with the farm currently hosting its Falconry Weekend on September 26 and 27.

The farm’s social media presence has also allowed followers to see both the joyful and difficult sides of farming life.

From newborn animals and successful farming days to illness, loss and the realities of caring for animals, the Nicholson family has often shared emotional moments with its audience.

That openness has helped create a strong bond between the farm and its supporters.

“THE MONEY WILL BE THERE FOR RUTH AND HER FAMILY”

The fundraising appeal was created with the intention of giving the family some financial breathing room while Dave continues treatment.

Organisers have encouraged supporters to donate only what they can afford, stressing that messages, shares and words of encouragement are also meaningful.

For Ruth and her family, the support represents more than the amount raised.

It is a reminder that thousands of people who have followed their lives at Cannon Hall Farm are thinking of them during one of the hardest periods they have faced.

FOCUSING ON FAMILY

Details about Dave’s specific illness have not been publicly disclosed beyond the family’s description of his diagnosis as stage 4 terminal cancer and the treatment he is currently receiving.

The family has instead focused on getting through the difficult months ahead and spending time together.

For many Cannon Hall Farm followers, Ruth has long been associated with the warmth and dedication she brings to her work with animals.

Now, those same followers are turning their attention toward supporting her.

With the fundraiser approaching its £24,000 target and more than 1,000 people already having contributed, the response has provided a powerful show of support for Ruth, Dave and their two sons.

As life at Cannon Hall Farm continues, the family is facing a deeply uncertain period — surrounded by a community determined to stand beside them.