A young actor from Northern Ireland has disclosed that he is nearing the end of his life after a four-year struggle with skin cancer that has now reached his liver and lungs.
Finnian Garbutt, 28, recognized for his role as Police Constable Ryan Power on the BBC drama “Hope Street,” announced the heartbreaking update on social media on March 1, 2026. Recent medical scans revealed that his melanoma has advanced swiftly throughout his body.
Garbutt shared that he decided to make the news public instead of informing people one at a time. “I hope now it’s in the open then I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends,” he said.
The Bangor actor first noticed a lump behind his ear in late 2020, assuming it was just an ingrown hair. After lockdown eased and his barber pointed out that the lump had grown significantly, Garbutt sought medical help. In December 2021, at only 25, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 malignant melanoma. The cancer later spread to his neck, leading to an intense 12-hour surgery in February 2022 during which 75 lymph nodes were removed from his face and neck.
In August 2024, just two weeks before the birth of his daughter Saoirse, doctors informed him that the cancer had become terminal after reaching his liver and lungs. Even so, Garbutt continued to move forward—appearing in 30 episodes of “Hope Street” between 2023 and 2025 and marrying his partner Louise Agnew in September 2025.
Since learning of his illness, Garbutt has celebrated meaningful achievements: 30 episodes on “Hope Street,” a leading role in an upcoming film, purchasing a home, marrying his best friend, and becoming a father to a daughter who, as he said, “never fails to make me smile.”
The show, now in its fifth season, is filmed in Donaghadee, County Down, and centers on life in the fictional seaside town of Port Devine. Garbutt also portrayed Raymond in the film “Housejackers,” which debuted at the Belfast Film Festival in 2025. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he previously played Benvolio in “Romeo and Juliet” at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast and appeared in the BBC medical drama “Casualty.”
Over the past month, Garbutt has suffered worsening pain in his back and hip, prompting his medical team to admit him for tests and evaluation. The findings confirmed his fears—the cancer had spread aggressively.
In response to his announcement, Garbutt’s family created a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife and daughter after he passes away. At the time of writing, the fundraiser had accumulated more than £36,000.
Garbutt stressed that he is not seeking pity. His only wish, he wrote, is for his wife and child to have the life they deserve—one he had hoped to work toward himself. Any contributions would help ensure Louise and Saoirse can manage life after his passing while remaining safe and secure in their home.
Throughout his battle, Garbutt has collaborated with Action Cancer and highlighted the charity’s Peer Mentoring Programme, urging men to examine their skin regularly and seek medical attention early. In earlier interviews, he spoke openly about the emotional strain of his diagnosis—the ongoing fear of the cancer spreading after doctors cautioned him about the seriousness of his condition.
Despite the grim prognosis, Garbutt offered a typically warm message to friends and supporters: “If anyone wants to meet up for a pint, coffee or general bit of craic, please reach out and we can try and make it work.”
A spokesperson for BBC and Long Story TV responded with a statement honoring Garbutt’s work. “Finnian has been such an important part of ‘Hope Street’s’ success,” the spokesperson said. “He is very much in our thoughts.”
As Garbutt approaches the final chapter of his life, he remains focused on cherishing moments with his wife Louise and daughter Saoirse. His openness and strength have resonated with people worldwide, leading to an overwhelming wave of support on his social media platforms.
