Finnian Garbutt, the actor beloved for his role as police constable Ryan Power in the BBC’sHope Street, is facing an unimaginable battle. At just 28 years old, he is now receiving hospice care following a recent, devastating diagnosis.
His journey began four years ago, in 2020, with the discovery of a small lump behind his ear. Initially, it didn’t cause significant concern. However, after the Covid-19 lockdown, a barber noticed the lump had grown, prompting Finnian to seek medical attention.
The diagnosis came swiftly: Stage 3 skin cancer. He underwent a grueling twelve-hour surgery in February 2022, a procedure that involved the removal of 75 lymph nodes from his neck and face. For a time, there was hope, but the cancer returned with relentless force.
In August 2024, just weeks before the birth of his daughter, Finnian received the heartbreaking news that his cancer had progressed to Stage IV melanoma. The joy of impending fatherhood was shadowed by a grim reality.
Earlier this month, Finnian bravely shared that the cancer was ‘progressing rapidly.’ Now, he has offered a more poignant update, posting a photograph from his hospital bed, a quiet testament to his courage.
“A day in bed supplied by @nihospice,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the support he and his family have received. He acknowledged the continued availability of a fundraising page, but emphasized his need to focus on the present.
In a previous post, Finnian spoke with raw honesty about ‘entering the last stages of life.’ He described increasing pain in his back and hip, leading to further scans that revealed the devastating extent of the cancer’s spread.
He explained his decision to share the news publicly, admitting that speaking to individuals was becoming increasingly difficult. Despite the immense pain, he focused on the incredible milestones he *had* achieved.
Over the past four years, Finnian realized dreams he once held distant: appearing in 30 episodes of a television show, landing the lead role in a forthcoming film, buying his own home, marrying his best friend, and experiencing the unparalleled joy of becoming a father to his daughter.
Hope Street, set in the fictional Northern Irish town of Port Devine, quickly became a platform for Finnian’s talent. He joined the cast in the third series and quickly became a central figure, captivating audiences with his portrayal of Constable Ryan Power.
He remained a consistent presence through two seasons, even as other cast members came and went, becoming one of the longest-serving actors on the show. His work extended beyondHope Street, with appearances inCasualtyand a role in the upcoming filmHousejackers.
Finnian’s story is a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a testament to his strength, his talent, and the enduring power of love and family in the face of unimaginable adversity.
