‘IT’S BEEN VERY HUMBLING’: MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE RALLY AROUND CANNON HALL FARM’S FARMER RUTH

Farmer Ruth Burgess and her family have received an extraordinary wave of support after her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer. More than 1,100 people have donated to a fundraiser created to help the family through an uncertain and deeply difficult time.

Behind the familiar animals and cheerful farm updates at Cannon Hall Farm, Farmer Ruth and her family are facing one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Ruth Burgess, known to thousands of visitors and followers of the popular South Yorkshire farm, has spoken emotionally about the kindness shown to her family since her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer.

The news prompted an outpouring of support from people who have followed Ruth through the farm’s social media pages, television appearances and visits over the years.

More than 1,000 people have now contributed to a fundraising appeal, while many others have sent messages of encouragement and shared their best wishes.

Ruth described the response as “very humbling”, expressing gratitude to everyone who has stood beside her family.

A DIAGNOSIS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Dave’s diagnosis became public through a fundraising appeal launched in July 2026.

According to the appeal, he has stage 4 terminal cancer and is undergoing intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ruth and Dave have two sons, and the family is now navigating the uncertainty surrounding his illness while trying to focus on treatment and precious time together.

The fundraiser was organised by Jacqui Tymon on behalf of Maryann Bestford to help ease some of the practical and financial pressures facing the family.

The organisers explained that the money raised would be available for Ruth and her family to use in whatever way helps them most during the months ahead.

Their hope is to give the family more freedom to concentrate on what matters most: supporting Dave and spending time together.

‘IT’S BEEN VERY HUMBLING’

In a message to supporters, Ruth thanked everyone who had reached out with donations, kind comments and words of encouragement.

She acknowledged that the family still faces a difficult road ahead, saying:

“It’s been very humbling.”

She also spoke about the challenges still to come, adding:

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

Her words have resonated with many followers who have come to know her through Cannon Hall Farm.

Rather than sharing extensive details about Dave’s medical condition, Ruth has focused on expressing gratitude and recognising the people who have helped her family during this difficult chapter.

MORE THAN 1,100 DONORS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

The GoFundMe campaign, titled Supporting Farmer Ruth and her family, has brought together supporters from across the Cannon Hall Farm community.

The fundraising page recently showed more than 1,100 donors, reflecting the scale of the response.

The appeal makes clear that people should only contribute what they can afford. It also emphasises that sharing the fundraiser or sending a supportive message can make a difference.

For many people, the donations represent more than financial assistance. They are a way of showing Ruth, Dave and their sons that they are being thought of during an incredibly difficult time.

A FAMILIAR FACE TO THOUSANDS

Cannon Hall Farm has become a much-loved attraction in South Yorkshire, with a large following online and through its television appearances.

Ruth has become a familiar face to many people who enjoy seeing the animals, learning about farm life and following the people behind the scenes.

For some supporters, she feels like someone they have known for years, even if they have never met her personally.

That connection has now turned into an extraordinary show of kindness, with people coming together to support the family after hearing about Dave’s diagnosis.

THE FAMILY IS TAKING THINGS ONE DAY AT A TIME

A serious illness affects the whole family, bringing uncertainty, emotional strain and difficult decisions.

For Ruth, Dave and their two sons, the priority remains supporting one another and making the most of their time together while Dave continues treatment.

The family has not publicly shared extensive further medical details, and Ruth’s messages have focused on gratitude rather than discussing private aspects of his condition.

Her words have been honest about the challenges ahead while recognising the comfort that support from others can bring.

‘WE’LL CARRY ON’

There is no easy way to describe what Ruth and her family are going through.

But the response from more than 1,000 donors and countless supporters has shown how deeply their story has touched people.

Every contribution, message and shared post has become a reminder that the family is not facing this difficult chapter alone.

For now, Ruth’s message is one of gratitude and determination.

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

As Dave continues his treatment, supporters are sending love, strength and hope to Ruth, Dave and their two sons. Sometimes, the kindness of strangers can remind a family that an entire community is standing beside them. 🤍