“WE’VE GOT A BIGGER CHALLENGE GOING FORWARD” — FARMER RUTH SPEAKS OUT AS HUSBAND DAVE BATTLES TERMINAL CANCER

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

The familiar face from Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire has thanked thousands of supporters who have sent messages, donated to the family’s fundraiser and offered words of encouragement during an extraordinarily difficult time.

Dave is currently undergoing intensive treatment, including daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy, according to the family’s fundraising appeal.

Ruth and Dave have two sons, and the family is now focused on his treatment and spending precious time together.

“IT’S BEEN VERY HUMBLING”

In an emotional message to supporters, Ruth acknowledged the overwhelming response from people who have followed her and the farm over the years.

“It’s been very humbling,” she said while thanking people for their messages and donations.

But Ruth also acknowledged that the family knows a difficult road lies ahead.

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

Her words came as supporters continued to rally around the family following the news of Dave’s diagnosis.

Ruth also expressed gratitude to the medical team caring for Dave, including staff at The Christie in Manchester.

DAVE’S DIAGNOSIS

The family’s fundraising campaign was launched in July to provide practical support for Ruth, Dave and their two sons.

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

The fundraiser has a target of £24,000, with the latest available figure showing £19,843 raised from 1,021 donations. That puts the campaign at more than 80 percent of its target.

Organizers said the money would allow the family to use the funds in whatever way helps them most during the months ahead.

They also emphasized that support does not have to come in the form of a large donation. Messages, shares and words of encouragement have all been welcomed.

A COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND RUTH

Ruth has become a familiar figure to generations of Cannon Hall Farm visitors and followers.

Through the farm’s social-media presence and public appearances, she has shared the realities of farm life and her work with animals with a large audience.

The news of Dave’s illness has therefore prompted an intensely personal response from people who feel they have come to know Ruth and her family over the years.

The fundraising appeal described Ruth as a much-loved member of the Cannon Hall Farm community and said supporters wanted to give the family practical help during a period of uncertainty.

THE FAMILY IS KEEPING MEDICAL DETAILS PRIVATE

While the fundraiser confirms Dave’s diagnosis and treatment, the family has not publicly released extensive medical details about his condition.

Ruth has also chosen to focus her public messages on gratitude and the support surrounding her family rather than discussing his prognosis in detail.

That privacy has been respected as supporters continue to send messages of encouragement.

For now, the family’s attention remains on Dave’s treatment and on spending time together.

“WE’LL CARRY ON”

The latest message from Ruth offered a glimpse into the reality her family is facing.

There is uncertainty about what the coming months will bring, but Ruth has made clear that she intends to keep moving forward alongside her husband and their two sons.

More than 1,000 people have already donated to the family’s fundraiser, while countless others have shared messages of support.

For a family that has spent years welcoming people through the gates of Cannon Hall Farm, the support is now flowing in the opposite direction.

Ruth’s message was simple:

“We’ll carry on.”

And for now, that means continuing treatment, staying together as a family and taking each day as it comes.