A beloved BBC star has shared heartbreaking news with his fans. Finnian Garbutt offered a candid update on his health this week. The 28-year-old actor, best known for playing PC Ryan Power on the BBC crime drama “Hope Street,” revealed that his stage 4 melanoma has progressed.
In a candid post, he also shared that he is now entering what he described as the “last stages” of his life. Amid his cancer battle, Garbutt married his wife, Louise, purchased their first home, and became a father, embracing life’s biggest joys along the way.
From Early Lump to Stage 4 Melanoma: Garbutt’s Cancer Journey
Garbutt shared the heartbreaking update on social media over the weekend, explaining that new scans revealed the cancer had advanced.
“Over the last month or so, I’ve been having quite a bit of pain in my back and hip. My cancer team admitted me the other day for observations and to do a few scans.
“Unfortunately. the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and l am now entering the last stages of my life.”
Garbutt was first diagnosed with malignant melanoma at 25.
He has previously spoken about discovering a lump behind his ear in late 2020, initially dismissing it as an ingrown hair. When restrictions eased, and he returned to his barber, he was told it had grown “quite substantially.” Doctors later confirmed it was skin cancer.
Since revealing his diagnosis, Garbutt has used his platform to encourage young people to check for changes in their skin and seek medical advice early, hoping his experience might help others act sooner.
Garbutt Thanks Supporters and Invites Friends to Connect Amid Health Battle
In his recent message, Garbutt said he made the update public so he would not have to share the news individually.
“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 update, he reflected on what he has accomplished over the past four years.
“Since being diagnosed 4 years ago I have achieved so many of my life goals – 30 episodes in 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.”
He added a final invitation 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.”
Garbutt joined “Hope Street” in 2023 and quickly became a familiar face to viewers of the Northern Ireland-based drama.
Prayers for his comfort and a miracle recovery!
You are such a brave person who I admire. We are dealing with love ones in iur family with the same situation now. My prayers are with you. Trust God, and know that it is not over until it is over. God bless you.
Sending you prayers of love and hugs. God will always be with you 🙏. Sending love you and your whole wonderful family. I shall continue to pray for you 🙏❤️