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

Farmer Ruth from Cannon Hall Farm has spoken publicly about the devastating period her family is facing after her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.

Ruth has thanked the thousands of people who have sent messages, donations and words of support since news of Dave’s condition became public.

The family is now concentrating on Dave’s treatment and on spending precious time together while facing an uncertain future.

According to the fundraising appeal set up to support the family, Dave is undergoing intensive treatment including daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Ruth and Dave have two sons.

RUTH THANKS SUPPORTERS

Ruth, who has become a familiar face to followers of Cannon Hall Farm, recently shared an emotional message acknowledging the extraordinary response from the public.

She thanked people for the messages and donations that have been sent to her family during what she described as an incredibly difficult period.

“It’s been very humbling,” Ruth said.

But alongside her gratitude, she also acknowledged that the family knows there is a difficult road ahead.

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

Her message has resonated with people who have followed Ruth through Cannon Hall Farm’s social-media channels and television appearances.

DAVE’S DIAGNOSIS

The family’s situation became public through a GoFundMe campaign launched on July 10, 2026, by Jacqui Tymon on behalf of Maryann Bestford.

The fundraiser explains that Dave has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is receiving intensive treatment.

It says the money raised is intended to give Ruth and her family practical support during the months ahead, allowing them to concentrate on being together and making memories rather than worrying about some of the additional pressures created by the situation.

The family has not publicly released further medical details about Dave’s prognosis beyond his diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

MORE THAN £19,000 RAISED

The fundraising appeal set a target of £24,000.

The latest available figures show that £19,843 has been raised from 1,021 donations, putting the campaign at more than 80 percent of its target.

The appeal says the money can be used by Ruth and her family in whatever way helps them most.

Organisers have also stressed that there is no expectation for anyone to donate more than they can afford.

They say that every donation, share and message of support can help remind the family that they are not facing the difficult period alone.

A FAMILY FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The fundraising page describes Ruth, Dave and their two sons as facing “so much uncertainty about what the future may hold.”

For Ruth, the focus has remained on supporting her husband while continuing to care for her family.

Her recent message did not provide a detailed update on Dave’s medical condition, but her words made clear that the family is preparing for a challenging road ahead.

The family is also receiving support from friends, colleagues and the wider Cannon Hall Farm community.

According to the fundraiser, the intention behind the appeal is to ease some of the pressures surrounding the family and give them greater freedom to focus on spending time together.

SUPPORTERS RALLY AROUND FARMER RUTH

Ruth is well known to people who follow Cannon Hall Farm, where she has become a familiar presence through her work with the animals and the farm’s online community.

The farm has also become familiar to television audiences through programmes featuring the Nicholson family and life at the South Yorkshire attraction.

That connection has led to a significant response since Dave’s diagnosis became public.

More than 1,000 people have contributed to the family’s fundraiser, while many others have left messages of encouragement and shared the appeal.

For supporters, the campaign is about more than reaching a financial target.

It is also a way of showing Ruth and her family that the community surrounding Cannon Hall Farm is thinking about them during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

“WE’LL CARRY ON”

Despite the uncertainty, Ruth’s latest message ended with a determination to keep moving forward.

“It’s been very humbling,” she said of the support.

Then came the words that have stayed with many of those following the family’s story:

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

For now, Ruth, Dave and their children are taking things one day at a time, surrounded by family, friends and a community that has rallied behind them.

The fundraiser remains open, with the £24,000 target still to be reached.

And as Dave continues treatment, Ruth’s message to those supporting them is one of gratitude — and determination to keep going together.