Hope Street actor Finnian Garbutt has shared a devastating update about his health, revealing that his battle with skin cancer has now reached its final stages.
The 28-year-old actor, best known for playing Ryan Power in the BBC drama, took to Instagram earlier this week to tell fans that the disease has spread rapidly through his body after four years of fighting it.
In an emotional message, Finnian admitted that he is now entering what he called “the last stages of my life”.
He explained that he wanted to make the announcement publicly because it had become too difficult to tell people individually. Finnian wrote that sharing the news openly would allow him to focus on what matters most — spending precious time with his family and close friends.
He said: “I’m putting this out there as it is really difficult to tell people individually and I hope now it’s in the open then I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends.”
Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Finnian reflected on how much he had achieved during the past few years.
He revealed that since being diagnosed with cancer, he has managed to accomplish many of his life dreams — including appearing in 30 episodes of a television show, landing the lead role in a film, marrying his best friend and becoming a father.
Among the most meaningful milestones in his life, he spoke about welcoming his daughter Saoirse, describing her as “the most amazing little girl”.
Finnian also invited friends and supporters to reach out if they wished to see him.
“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,” he wrote.
Alongside the message, he shared a touching photo of himself with his young daughter.
Family launches fundraiser after devastating news
Following Finnian’s emotional update, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife Louise and their daughter Saoirse.
In a statement on the fundraising page, relatives described the moment as “extremely difficult” for everyone close to him — especially his young family.
They explained that Finnian and Louise had only been married for six months, shortly after their daughter celebrated her first birthday.
Although Finnian had been living with cancer for four years and had spoken openly about his condition, the family admitted they had always believed there would be more time.
Sadly, they revealed that the cancer has now spread quickly.
“Sadly, with the cancer spreading rapidly, we now have to cherish each day we have left with him,” the statement read.
The fundraiser aims to help Louise take time away from work to grieve, cover essential household expenses, support Saoirse’s future education and assist with other costs that may arise.
Finnian himself is said to be deeply aware that he will not be able to provide the financial security he had hoped to give his wife and daughter, which is why the family decided to set up the campaign.
Since the news became public, the response from fans, friends and colleagues has been overwhelming.
At the time of writing, more than £36,000 has already been donated.
Messages of love have flooded Finnian’s social media pages, with co-stars and fans praising both his talent and his strength.
One colleague wrote that working with him had been a blessing and described him as an incredibly gifted performer.
Another supporter told him that he had achieved so much despite facing such a difficult battle and called him “a legend, an outrageous talent, and a genuinely good person”.
A third message simply summed up the feelings of many: “You are a legend. And a great Da.”
