Finnian Garbutt, best known for his role as PC Ryan Power in Hope Street, shared the devastating update on social media as he enters the final stages of his cancer battle
22:01, 24 Mar 2026Updated 22:17, 24 Mar 2026
(Image: BBC)
BBC actor Finnian Garbutt has now moved into hospice care following his melanoma diagnosis in 2021.
The 28-year-old, known for playing PC Ryan Power in the police drama Hope Street, shared the heartbreaking news with his social media followers today.
Finnian first noticed a lump behind his ear towards the end of 2020, initially dismissing it as an in-grown hair. Once lockdown measures eased, a visit to his barber raised alarm bells when it was pointed out that the lump had grown “quite substantially.”
The devastating news that his cancer was terminal came in 2024, arriving just a fortnight before his daughter Saoirse was born. Since then, the young father has used his public profile to raise awareness amongst other young people about the disease.
Finnian Garbutt issued a major health update(Image: Instagram)
Sharing a photograph from his hospital bed, he wrote: “A day in bed supplied by @nihospice. Thank you that have supported me and my family. (sic) I will no longer be sharing my GoFundMe page, but it is still active in bio.”. Finnian added: “Love you all folks.”
The BBC performer had set up the fundraising page earlier this month, after sharing the tragic update: “Unfortunately. the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and I am now entering the last stages of my life.”
In a heartfelt message to his followers, he wrote: “Thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of support these last few days. I cannot believe how many people across the world have reached out and offered beautiful encouragement in this really difficult time. I am not posting this for sympathy, and do not want anyone to donate if they cannot afford to.
“All I want is my wife and little baby to have the life they deserve and I wanted to be the one that provided that, which now is unfortunately no longer possible.”
Finnan Garbutt has kept fans updated about his health journey(Image: Instagram)
Finnian further stated: “Any donations will go a long way in supporting my wife and baby as they navigate life without me and supporting Saoirse’s future, whilst also keeping them safe and secure in our home.”
As it stands, the fundraising page has amassed £83,377, edging closer to its £90,000 target.