Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt has set up a GoFundMe to support his wife and 18-month-old daughter in ‘navigating life’ without him following his Stage 4 skin cancer diagnosis.
The actor, best known for playing police constable Ryan Power on the BBC One NI series, thanked fans for their outpouring of love and support after he revealed the devastating news that he’s entering the ‘last stages’ of his life.
Finnian, 28, was first diagnosed at the age of 25 after finding a lump behind his ear. Following the Covid-19 lockdown, his barber noticed that the lump had grown significantly, and he was later told that he had Stage 3 skin cancer.
In February 2022, Finnian underwent 12 hour surgery and had 75 lymph nodes removed from his neck and face. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in August 2024, just two weeks before the arrival of his daughter Saoirse.
Earlier this week, the 28-year-old, who married wife Louise just six months ago, told his followers that the cancer has ‘progressed rapidly’ and that he’s now in the ‘last stages’ of life. By going public with the update, he can enjoy his time with his ‘amazing’ friends and family.
He added: ‘Since being diagnosed four years ago I have achieved so many of my life goals – 30 episodes on a TV show, being the lead in a movie that should be out soon, buying my own house marrying my best friend and becoming a father to the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile’.
‘Thank you to all that have reached out over the years and supported me and my family.’
In just a few days, Finnian received an overwhelming amount of support. ‘I cannot believe how many people across the world have reached out and offered beautiful encouragement in this really difficult time,’ he wrote in a new update on Instagram.
The Hope Street star has now set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support wife Louise and daughter Saoirse, who is now 18-months-old.
‘I am not posting this for sympathy and do not want anyone to donate if they cannot afford to,’ he said in the heartfelt message.
‘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.
‘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.
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If you could please share this post it would mean the world to me’.
Finnian concluded his post by telling his followers that he loves them.
A message shared on the GoFundMe says: ‘Though Finn has been living with cancer for 4 years and has spoken very openly about his experience and been able to make certain preparations, we all believed he had more time to come. Sadly, with the cancer spreading rapidly, we now have to cherish each day we have left with him.
‘We in the family are doing all we can to ensure Louise and Saoirse have all the love and support we can offer. But Finn is very aware that he isn’t able to provide the kind of financial security he wished he could to his wife and daughter.’
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has reached £34,001.
Finnian is best known for his portrayal of lovable ‘cub’ of the Port Devine Police station Ryan in Hope Street, having played the role for three years.
Ryan has been at the centre of plenty of drama over the years, particularly in the fourth and fifth series’ of the NI drama, following the introduction of love interest Brandi.
The police constable has proven a true fan favourite, with Finnian’s heartfelt and human portrayal of the character one of the show’s finest qualities.
Away from Hope Street, Finnian has also starred in Casualty and will appear in the film Housejackers.
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