Family pays tribute to man with spinal tumour who died weeks after wedding
The family of a Belfast man who was battling a life-limiting illness have shared their pride in his 'determination to inspire others' following his death.
Matthew Starkey spoke to the Belfast Telegraph 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.'
On Monday, the Starkey family released the sad news that their 'darling Matthew' had passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, surrounded by all of his loved ones.
'He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all,' a social media post said.
'He fought a brave battle 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.
'What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes part of us.'
Thousands of people reacted to the post and shared their own memories of and tributes to Matthew.
One woman wrote: 'Matthew was the most courageous and determined man I've ever met. Thinking of you all, sending love and strength to you all.'
While another person said: 'I am so very sorry for your loss. Matthew was an absolute gent and well loved by all who met him.
'He has been an inspiration throughout this cruel illness and I am glad he is now at peace. Sending so much love and prayers to you all.'
One lady said she was 'so sorry to read this', adding that she worked with Matthew, first when he was a student then at Young Enterprise and latterly when he was her link teacher at St Colman's.
'Such a lovely guy,' she said, 'full of fun and we always had a great catch up at school when we could. He made a great cup of tea and truly was one of life's gentlemen.
'My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family at this unbearably sad time.'
Matthew Starkey
News in 90 Seconds - Monday, August 4th
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Sunday World
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Family pays tribute to man with spinal tumour who died weeks after wedding
What started out as a seemingly innocuous football injury, had sent his life down a path he never could have imagined The family of a Belfast man who was battling a life-limiting illness have shared their pride in his 'determination to inspire others' following his death. Matthew Starkey spoke to the Belfast Telegraph 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.' On Monday, the Starkey family released the sad news that their 'darling Matthew' had passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, surrounded by all of his loved ones. 'He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all,' a social media post said. 'He fought a brave battle 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. 'What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes part of us.' Thousands of people reacted to the post and shared their own memories of and tributes to Matthew. One woman wrote: 'Matthew was the most courageous and determined man I've ever met. Thinking of you all, sending love and strength to you all.' While another person said: 'I am so very sorry for your loss. Matthew was an absolute gent and well loved by all who met him. 'He has been an inspiration throughout this cruel illness and I am glad he is now at peace. Sending so much love and prayers to you all.' One lady said she was 'so sorry to read this', adding that she worked with Matthew, first when he was a student then at Young Enterprise and latterly when he was her link teacher at St Colman's. 'Such a lovely guy,' she said, 'full of fun and we always had a great catch up at school when we could. He made a great cup of tea and truly was one of life's gentlemen. 'My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family at this unbearably sad time.' Matthew Starkey News in 90 Seconds - Monday, August 4th
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Ten-year-old girl honoured with bravery award after saving her father's life
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