CANNON HALL FARM FARMER RUTH BURGESS SPEAKS OUT AS HUSBAND DAVE BATTLES TERMINAL CANCER

“WE’VE GOT A BIGGER CHALLENGE GOING FORWARD, BUT WE’LL CARRY ON”

Behind the familiar animals, farm videos and cheerful moments shared with thousands of followers, one Cannon Hall Farm family is facing an extraordinarily difficult chapter.

Farmer Ruth Burgess has spoken publicly about the heartbreaking situation facing her family after her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.

Dave is currently undergoing intensive treatment, according to a fundraising appeal set up to support the family.

The couple have two sons and are now trying to navigate an uncertain future while making the most of the time they have together.

For Ruth, the support from the Cannon Hall Farm community has been overwhelming.

In an emotional message to supporters, she thanked people for their kindness, donations and messages.

“It’s been very humbling,” Ruth said.

She also acknowledged that the road ahead would be difficult.

“We’ve got a bigger challenge going forward, but we’ll carry on.”

A FAMILY FACING A DEVASTATING DIAGNOSIS

The fundraising campaign was launched on July 10, 2026, by Jacqui Tymon on behalf of Maryann Bestford.

Its purpose is to support Ruth, Dave and their two sons during what organisers described as an incredibly difficult period.

According to the appeal, Dave has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment, including daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The campaign does not present the fundraising as payment for a particular treatment. Instead, it says the money is intended to ease some of the pressures facing the family and allow them to concentrate on being together, spending precious time as a family and making memories.

The fundraiser has a target of £24,000.

The latest figure shown on the campaign page is £19,843 from 1,021 donors, although fundraising totals can change as new donations are made.

RUTH THANKS THE PEOPLE WHO STOOD BESIDE HER

Ruth has become a familiar face to people who follow Cannon Hall Farm, appearing in content connected with the animals and everyday life on the South Yorkshire farm.

That connection has meant the news about Dave has reached far beyond the family’s immediate circle.

Messages of support have come from people who know Ruth personally, people who have visited the farm and followers who have watched the family’s work online.

In her emotional update, Ruth th