In a heartbreakingly honest statement that has left fans stunned, Finnian Garbutt, just 28, has revealed he is now battling terminal cancer — and is “entering the last stages of life.”
The Northern Irish actor, best known for his role as PC Ryan Power in BBC police drama Hope Street, shared the devastating update on Instagram, confirming that the skin cancer he was first diagnosed with five years ago has now progressed rapidly throughout his body.
Despite aggressive treatment, the disease has worsened — forcing the young father to confront a reality no one his age should have to face.
💬 “I Hope Now That It’s Out There, I Can Enjoy the Time I Have”
In his emotional post, Finnian explained that worsening pain in his back and hip led doctors to admit him for urgent scans — results that delivered the news no one was hoping for.
“Unfortunately the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body,” he wrote,
“and I am now entering the last stages of my life.”
The actor said he chose to share the news publicly because it was too painful to tell people one by one — and because he now wants to focus on what matters most.
“I hope, now that it’s in the open, I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends.”
👶 Diagnosed Weeks Before His Daughter Was Born
Finnian’s story is particularly cruel in its timing.
Despite undergoing surgery in 2022 to remove the cancer, he was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in August 2024 — just two weeks before the birth of his daughter, Saoirse, whom he shares with his wife Louise Agnew.
In the space of weeks, his life shifted from preparing for fatherhood to preparing for the fight of his life.
Now, as the cancer becomes terminal, Finnian says his focus has turned to soaking up every possible moment with his little girl — the child he describes as “the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile.” 💔
🌟 “I’ve Achieved So Many of My Life Goals”
In words that have broken hearts across social media, Finnian reflected on everything he has managed to achieve — despite his illness.
“Since being diagnosed four years ago, I have achieved so many of my life goals,” he wrote.
“Thirty episodes in a TV show, being the lead in a movie (coming soon), buying my own house, marrying my best friend, and becoming a father.”
He ended the message with a trademark mix of humour and warmth — inviting friends and fans alike to reach out.
“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 Rising Star Cut Tragically Short
Finnian joined Hope Street in 2023, quickly becoming a fan favourite as rookie officer Ryan Power. He also appeared in Housejackers in 2024 and was widely tipped as a rising talent in Northern Irish television.
Behind the scenes, however, he was already fighting a disease that would change everything.
He was first diagnosed after noticing a mole on his scalp, later confirmed as stage three malignant melanoma — a cancer that spreads aggressively once it reaches the lymphatic system.
⚠️ His Final Message: “Please Get Checked”
Throughout his illness, Finnian has been a passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness, repeatedly urging people not to ignore warning signs — even if they consider themselves healthy.
“I am fit and healthy but I still have a very serious disease that just went unnoticed,” he said.
“If caught early, it is very, very treatable.”
He stressed that melanoma can affect anyone — even those who avoid sunbeds and excessive sun exposure, as he did.
🕊️ “Here’s to Many More Happy Years”
In December, marking the anniversary of his diagnosis, Finnian posted a photo with a hopeful caption:
“Here’s to many more happy years.”
Now, those words read with unbearable poignancy.
Yet even as he faces the unimaginable, Finnian Garbutt’s message remains one of love, gratitude, and quiet courage — a young man determined to live fully, right to the very end.
💔 A husband. A father. A rising star.
🌟 And a reminder that time — however short — can still be filled with meaning.
