Funeral details released for young teacher who died weeks after wedding
Matthew Starkey and and fiancée Carrie Fleming. Inset: Matthew had been sharing his workouts in hospital on TikTok.
The funeral of a Belfast man who was battling a life-limiting illness will take place later this week, it has been confirmed.
Matthew Starkey spoke earlier this year about being diagnosed with a 'fast growing stage 4 spinal tumour'.
He shared that he had a lot to look forward to; a new teaching job, a new home, and an upcoming wedding.
But he revealed that what started out as a seemingly innocuous football injury, had sent his life down a path he never could have imagined.
At the time Matthew, who was a teacher at St Colman's Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, was in hospital but said he was ready to throw everything back at life once he was released.
He had hoped to take part in the Belfast Half Marathon in a wheelchair, raising funds for the Friends of the Cancer Centre.
In June, Matthew tied the knot with his fiancée Carrie, describing it as: 'Marrying the woman of your dreams, surrounded by your nearest and dearest and overcoming some hurdles along the way. Pretty special day all round.'
Matthew Starkey at his graduation with Carrie, mum Fiona and dad Frank
On Monday, Matthew's family announced he had passed away surrounded by his loved ones at the Marie Curie Hospice.
A funeral notice has said that Matthew will be reposing at his grandmother's house in the Four Winds from today.
'Visitors welcome Tuesday and Wednesday between 1.00pm - 4.00pm and 6.00pm -10.00pm,' the notice added.
'Funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday 7th August in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Knockbracken Drive, Carryduff at 10.30am followed by burial in Roselawn Cemetery.'
Matthew Starkey
The funeral notice is concluded with a quote from American disability rights activist Helen Keller.
It reads: 'What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.'
Matthew's family paid tribute to 'the brave battle' he fought with 'continued courage, wit and unwavering strength and we will always be proud of his determination to inspire others.'
'We want to extend our thanks again to Marie Curie UK for their love, care and support to Matthew and family during this incredibly difficult time,' they added.
Thousands of people reacted to the post and shared their own memories of and tributes to Matthew.
The Belvedere Café Restaurant said Matthew joined the Belvedere team in July 2020. He worked through all the lockdowns and re-openings they had.
A post added: 'His massive smile, sense of humour and wit kept us all going. We spent many a day working closely together, especially when we were serving takeaway only, and had so many long chats.
'Matthew loved cooking and food, so we had many great conversations. Anytime I wanted to try a new dish for our menu, I could always rely on Matthew to be the one to try it and give me his honest opinion.
'People may ask why the sock photo? For me, that just epitomises his sense of humour, and his bright and colourful outlook on life—which he always had. That particular morning we got him those socks, he put them on, and we took that photo.
'As a small team, we all enjoyed nights out together and had many heartfelt conversations and belly laughs on those nights. I am so grateful to have had them.
'Matthew, you battled your diagnosis with such dignity and courage. May you rest in peace.'
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