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

Behind the familiar animals, busy farm days and cheerful videos from Cannon Hall Farm, Farmer Ruth and her family are facing an incredibly difficult chapter.

Ruth’s husband, Dave, has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, according to a fundraising appeal established to support the family.

The news has prompted an outpouring of support from people who have followed Ruth through her work at the popular South Yorkshire farm and have come to know her as one of its familiar faces.

“A VERY SPECIAL PART” OF THE FARM FAMILY

Cannon Hall Farm shared the devastating news with its followers while highlighting Ruth’s importance to the farm community.

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

The fundraising appeal was created to provide practical support for Ruth, Dave and their two sons as the family navigates the difficult months ahead.

Organisers said the money would allow the family to concentrate on spending time together and making memories while Dave continues his treatment.

MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE HAVE DONATED

The GoFundMe campaign was launched on July 10, 2026, with a target of £24,000.

The latest available figures show that around £19,843 has been raised from 1,021 donors, meaning the campaign has already passed 80% of its target.

The organisers have emphasized that people should only give what they can afford, while stressing that donations, shares and messages of support can all make a difference to the family.

The response demonstrates how strongly Ruth is connected with the wider Cannon Hall Farm community.

RUTH THANKS SUPPORTERS

Ruth has also thanked supporters for the messages and donations following the announcement of Dave’s diagnosis.

For many people, she is a familiar face from the farm’s social-media channels and television appearances, where she has shared her work caring for animals and the everyday realities of farm life.

That relationship has now taken on a very different meaning as followers rally around her during her husband’s illness.

The support has come from people who know the family personally as well as those who have simply followed Ruth and Cannon Hall Farm online.

A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR CANNON HALL FARM

The news comes during an emotional period for the wider Cannon Hall Farm team.

The farm has recently faced several heartbreaking situations involving its animals.

In July, Farmer Rob became emotional after announcing that Ruby, one of the farm’s horses, would need to be euthanised following a serious deterioration in her health.

The farm has also previously mourned the loss of much-loved Shire horses, including Lottie in 2022 and Herkules in 2025.

More recently, the farm described the past few months as an “incredibly difficult” period for its Shire horses. An evening event with equine vet Marco was held on September 20 to discuss the challenges and losses the farm had experienced.

LIFE AT THE FARM CONTINUES

Despite the difficult circumstances, Cannon Hall Farm continues to welcome visitors.

The farm’s official schedule lists its Falconry Weekend for September 26–27, with flying displays and handling sessions, followed by its annual Pumpkin Patch in October.

The farm remains a family-run attraction in Cawthorne, South Yorkshire. Its official website describes the Nicholson family’s farming history as spanning generations, with Farmers Roger, Richard, David and Robert among the familiar faces associated with the business.

For Ruth, however, the biggest focus away from the farm is now her husband and their children.

FACING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

A terminal cancer diagnosis brings enormous uncertainty to any family.

For Ruth, Dave and their two sons, the months ahead are now centered on treatment, family and spending as much meaningful time together as possible.

The fundraising appeal was created to ease some of the practical pressures surrounding the family and give them greater freedom to focus on one another.

And the response has been significant.

More than 1,000 people have already contributed, while countless others have sent messages of support.

For years, Ruth has helped share the everyday highs and lows of life at Cannon Hall Farm with the public.

Now, as her own family faces one of its hardest chapters, that community is turning around to support her.

Ruth, Dave and their two sons are facing an uncertain road ahead — but they are not facing it alone.