Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt enters hospice care in final cancer battle

Finnian Garbutt, the 28-year-old actor best known for his role as police constable Ryan Power in the BBC crime drama Hope Street, is receiving hospice care after the rapid progression of his melanoma, he announced Wednesday.

Garbutt shared the news with his followers on social media, detailing the recent deterioration of his health following a four-year battle with cancer. He was first diagnosed with the disease in 2021, and received a terminal diagnosis two years later when the cancer spread to his liver and lungs, according to reports.

“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,” Garbutt wrote in a statement posted online. He explained that he had been experiencing significant pain in his back and hip in the past month, leading to further medical evaluations.

The actor, from Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, used his platform to appeal for support for his wife, Louise Agnew, and their 18-month-old daughter, Saoirse. “Thank you everyone for the outpouring of support these last few days. Believe how many people across the world have reached out and offered beautiful encouragement in this really difficult time,” he said. “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.”

Garbutt launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier this month to provide financial security for his family. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised £83,377 towards a £90,000 goal. He stated that any donations would facilitate support his wife and daughter as they navigate life without him and ensure a secure future for Saoirse.

Despite his diagnosis, Garbutt reflected on the positive experiences of the past four years, including achieving professional milestones such as appearing in 30 episodes of Hope Street and securing the lead role in an upcoming film. He also celebrated personal achievements, including buying a home, marrying his wife, and becoming a father.

Hope Street, filmed in Donaghadee, County Down, has spanned five seasons. Garbutt’s character, PC Ryan Power, has been a recurring role in the series. He expressed gratitude to those who have supported him and his family throughout his illness, inviting friends and well-wishers to reach out for a visit.