“WE’LL CARRY ON” — CANNON HALL FARM’S FARMER RUTH SPEAKS OUT AS HUSBAND DAVE FACES TERMINAL CANCER

Farmer Ruth Burgess has broken her silence on the devastating situation facing her family as her husband, Dave, continues intensive treatment for stage 4 terminal cancer.

The well-known Cannon Hall Farm figure has thanked supporters for the thousands of messages, donations and words of encouragement sent to her family since Dave’s diagnosis became public.

According to the family’s fundraising appeal, Dave is undergoing intensive treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Ruth and Dave have two sons and are now focused on treatment and spending time together.

“IT’S BEEN VERY HUMBLING”

In an emotional message to supporters, Ruth acknowledged the enormous response from people who have rallied around her family.

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

But she also acknowledged that the family faces an increasingly difficult period ahead.

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

Ruth has also expressed gratitude toward the medical team caring for Dave, including specialists at The Christie in Manchester.

DAVE’S DIAGNOSIS

The fundraising campaign supporting the family was launched in July 2026.

It states that Dave has been diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and is receiving intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The appeal has a target of £24,000 to provide practical support for Ruth, Dave and their two sons during the difficult months ahead.

The latest figure available showed £19,843 raised from 1,021 donations, taking the campaign beyond 80 percent of its target.

Organizers have emphasized that support can come in different forms, with messages and shares also helping the family.

SUPPORT POURS IN FROM FARM FOLLOWERS

Ruth has become a familiar face to the Cannon Hall Farm community through her work with the animals and the farm’s social-media presence.

For years, followers have watched her share everyday moments from farm life.

Now, that community has rallied around Ruth and her family during one of the hardest periods of their lives.

The fundraising appeal was created to help ease some of the practical pressures facing the family while Dave undergoes treatment.

THE FAMILY HAS KEPT MEDICAL DETAILS PRIVATE

Beyond confirming Dave’s diagnosis and treatment, the family has not publicly disclosed extensive details about his medical condition or prognosis.

Ruth’s own messages have largely focused on gratitude toward supporters and the medical teams caring for Dave.

The family has chosen to keep many aspects of his illness private while concentrating on treatment and time together.

Cannon Hall Farm itself continues to operate and has continued its regular visitor activities and events in South Yorkshire.

“WE’LL CARRY ON”

For Ruth, Dave and their two sons, the months ahead remain uncertain.

But her latest message reflects the approach the family is taking: continuing forward together despite the circumstances.

More than 1,000 people have already contributed to the fundraising appeal, while many others have sent messages of support.

For a family that has spent years welcoming visitors to Cannon Hall Farm, an extraordinary wave of support is now coming back in their direction.

Ruth’s message was simple:

“We’ll carry on.”

For now, the family is focused on Dave’s treatment, staying together and taking each day as it comes.