The actor was diagnosed with Stage Three skin cancer, which spread to his neck.
Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt has died at the age of 28 after a battle with cancer.
The actor, best known for his role as PC Ryan Power in the popular BBC crime series, was diagnosed with Stage Three skin cancer, which spread to his neck.
His family said in a statement: “Hi everyone. We’re absolutely heartbroken to announce that Finnian passed away yesterday after a sudden decline in his condition.
“He passed peacefully at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family.”
Finnian was diagnosed with cancer four years ago after his barber found a lump behind his ear, which he initially thought was an ingrown hair. He underwent surgery to remove the cancer in 2022, but it had sadly spread.
He shared the news of his end of life diagnosis in a heartbreaking update just a few weeks ago and a crowdfunding page was set up to support his wife Louise and daughter Saoirse, writes the Mirror.
His loved ones said: “We want to thank everyone for their support, their kind words, and for being with us during this really difficult time. And thank you also to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe page. The peace of mind you all gave Finn during his last days made his passing so much easier to bear.
“We will always love and miss you, Finn. You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ever ask for, and knowing that you’re no longer in pain gives us all comfort, despite our own immense pain at losing you.
“We will soon be announcing details of his funeral. In the meantime, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected at this really difficult time. Thank you so much, and with all the love in the world, Louise, Luke & the family xxx.”
Finnian revealed his tragic news in March, writing on his Instagram: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Finnian also added that since his diagnosis four years ago, he had “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 ended the statement by thanking those who had reached out throughout his cancer journey, and added: “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.”
Tributes have since poured in for the star, with Cameron Cuffe saying: “Finnian brought so much joy to so many and his memory will be cherished forever. My deepest condolences to all the family at this time.”
Luke Delaney added: “I’ll raise a glass to you tonight Finn. A remarkable man who’ll be deeply missed. Sending all my love to your family during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace mate.”
Finnian received floods of support and the GoFundMe page saw people flock to make donations and share tributes and supportive messages. One supporter wrote: “I’m heartbroken for this brave young man and his beautiful little family. I hope my donation helps to give him some peace knowing that his family will be taken care of.”
Another added: “You are some man. Love to you and your beautiful family”. And a third said: “We look forward each week to watch Hope Street here in America. You have been a great addition to the cast and we were devastated to hear of your diagnosis. Sending you and your family strength to see this through.”
The actor’s go fund me has so far raised more than £100,000, with a flood of donations in the hours since his death was announced.
In a message of thanks to donors before his death, Finnian wrote: “You are all incredible people and I am so blessed that you have helped me in so many ways over the last few weeks. My family will benefit so much which is such a tremendous weight off my shoulders. Thank you, Finnian x”.
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