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

“WE’VE GOT A BIGGER CHALLENGE GOING FORWARD.” — FARMER RUTH SPEAKS OUT AS HUSBAND DAVE CONTINUES HIS CANCER TREATMENT

Farmer Ruth Burgess has spoken emotionally about the heartbreaking situation facing her family as her husband, Dave, continues intensive treatment following a stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis.

The familiar face from Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire has thanked supporters for the overwhelming messages, donations and kindness shown to her family since news of Dave’s illness became public.

In a recent message to supporters, Ruth acknowledged the extraordinary response from people who have followed her work and the farm over the years.

“It’s been very humbling,” Ruth said.

But she also acknowledged the difficult road ahead.

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

DAVE CONTINUES INTENSIVE TREATMENT

According to the fundraising appeal established to support the family, Dave is undergoing intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ruth and Dave have two sons, and the family is now concentrating on treatment, spending time together and dealing with the situation one day at a time.

Ruth has also expressed her gratitude to the medical teams caring for Dave, including specialists at The Christie in Manchester.

The family has not publicly released further details about Dave’s medical prognosis beyond the diagnosis and treatment information shared through the fundraising appeal.

MORE THAN £19,000 RAISED BY SUPPORTERS

A GoFundMe campaign was launched on July 10, 2026, to provide practical support for Ruth, Dave and their two sons.

The fundraiser has a target of £24,000.

The latest available figures show approximately £19,843 raised from 1,021 donations, putting the campaign at more than 80% of its goal.

Organisers say the money can be used by the family in whatever way will help them most during the difficult months ahead.

They have also stressed that supporters should only donate what they can afford, while messages, shares and words of encouragement are also deeply appreciated.

RUTH THANKS THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOOD BY HER FAMILY

Ruth has become a familiar face to thousands of people through Cannon Hall Farm’s social-media channels and television appearances.

For many followers, the news about Dave has therefore felt particularly personal.

Rather than sharing extensive details about her husband’s condition, Ruth has focused on thanking the people who have reached out to the family.

Her words — “It’s been very humbling” — reflected the scale of the support that has followed the family’s announcement.

She also made clear that despite the uncertainty ahead, she intends to keep going.

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

A COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND THE FAMILY

Cannon Hall Farm has built a large following through its television appearances, social-media content and close connection with visitors.

That community has now rallied around Ruth and her family as they face one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

The fundraising appeal was created to ease some of the practical pressures surrounding Dave’s treatment and give the family greater freedom to focus on spending time together.

For Ruth, the messages and donations have become a reminder of just how many people have been touched by the family’s story.

And as Dave continues treatment, Ruth’s latest message carries a simple determination: despite the challenge ahead, the family will carry on together.