Finnian Garbutt, the 28-year-old actor celebrated for his role in the Northern Irish police drama Hope Street, has publicly disclosed that he is confronting terminal cancer and is now entering the final stages of his life. The performer took to Instagram on Sunday to deliver the devastating update, revealing that five years after his initial skin cancer diagnosis, the disease has advanced rapidly. He expressed his intention to concentrate on cherishing moments with his extraordinary friends and family during this profoundly challenging period.
A Heartbreaking Progression Despite Treatment
Despite undergoing surgical intervention to remove the cancer in 2022, Finnian received a diagnosis of Stage IV melanoma in August 2024. This distressing news arrived merely two weeks before the birth of his daughter, Saoirse, whom he shares with his wife, Louise Agnew. In his recent Instagram post, the actor conveyed that despite medical treatments, his condition has deteriorated and become terminal.
He wrote, 'Hi all, 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 I am now entering the last stages of my life...'
Focusing on Life's Achievements and Family
Finnian elaborated, 'I'm putting this out there, as it is really difficult to tell people individually. And I hope, now that it's in the open, I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends... Since being diagnosed four 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...'
He extended his gratitude, stating, 'Thank you to all that have reached out over the years and supported me and my family. 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. Love as always, Finnian.'
Accompanying this heartfelt statement was a tender photograph depicting Finnian cuddling his infant daughter Saoirse while standing outside a hospital, with a cannula visible in his hand.
Career Highlights and Initial Diagnosis
The actor is most prominently recognised for his portrayal of new police constable Ryan Power in the Northern Irish police drama Hope Street, a role he secured in 2023. He also appeared in Housejackers in 2024. Finnian first sought medical attention when he noticed a mole on his scalp, which was subsequently diagnosed as a stage three malignant melanoma.
Following his initial diagnosis, he passionately advocated for public awareness, urging individuals to undergo regular checks. He emphasised, 'What I want now is to get as many people to know about this disease because prior to this diagnosis... I had no idea about it - now, actually having it at an advanced level, it is devastating and has changed my life completely.'
Advocacy for Early Detection and Prevention
Finnian stressed the critical importance of early detection, noting, 'I am never going to have the same life goals and ambitions that I once had so the thing that I want to show is that if caught early, it is very very treatable... With melanoma, it spreads so fast and once it is in your lymphatic system it can go through your whole body...'
He continued, 'I am trying to get people talking about it so that they know the ways in which you can prevent yourself from getting it - whether that be being more careful in the sun or less sunbed exposure... I personally don't sunbathe, I've never used a sunbed and I don't particularly don't like staying out in the sun all too much... I am fit and healthy but I still have a very serious disease that just went unnoticed and I want to prevent that from happening to anyone else.'
Commemorating Milestones and Looking Forward
In December, Finnian shared a post marking the anniversary of his initial diagnosis, accompanied by a poignant message: 'Here's to many more happy years.' The post detailed, '4 years today I was diagnosed with cancer. It's been a mad journey so far. Major surgery, countless scans and biopsies, 10 different treatments and now in search for a clinical trial... Wouldn't be able to have managed without my family, my wife Louise and my best little mate, my daughter, Saoirse. Here's to many more happy years Xx.'
Upon announcing his Stage IV diagnosis in August 2024, he expressed confidence in his medical team, writing, 'Yesterday I was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. A routine scan picked up a few hotspots in my body and a more detailed MRI confirmed that the melanoma has come back... I have every trust in my oncology team and the groundbreaking treatment options available with the NHS. Check your skin, if something seems wrong then get it checked. Don't take no for an answer...'
He concluded with a note of hope and familial love, 'I will try and get back to anyone that replies - thanks for having my back... Louise and I can't wait to welcome our daughter into the world in the coming weeks, nothing is going to stop our family from being happy. Peace and Love, Finn x.'
