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Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tears at funeral of beloved teacher as father remembers the 'twinkle in his eye'
The father of a south Belfast school teacher who sadly died after battling spinal cancer has spoken of his "kindness, charm" and the "unmistakable twinkle in his eye". Matthew Starkey, who was diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer in February this year after what started out as a football injury a few months beforehand, sadly died at Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast on Sunday. His father, Frank, fought through tears during the 32-year-old's funeral at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Carryduff on Thursday to deliver a moving tribute to the way his son faced his diagnosis with "grace, courage, and an incredible sense of humour," reports Belfast Live. Speaking to Belfast Live earlier this year, the teacher shared how he was hoping to stay positive amid his diagnosis and set himself the challenge of completing the Belfast Half Marathon later this year in a wheelchair. He documented his cancer battle on social media under the name "Fast and Tumorous" and raised £50,000 (approximately €57,650) for Friends of the Cancer Centre. While in hospital, Matthew interviewed for a job at St Colman's Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, Co Down and got a full-time position at the school after three years there on a temporary basis. Pupils from the school formed a guard of honour at the Carryduff chapel on Thursday. In June, Matthew married his girlfriend Carrie, providing an update on his GoFundMe page: "One week ago I married the woman of my dreams, surrounded by our nearest and dearest and overcoming some hurdles along the way." His father, Frank, paid tribute to the "extraordinary work of the Marie Curie hospice staff on the Knock Road, who supported Matthew and all of us through this ordeal" as he addressed mourners on Thursday. "You're all living saints and words don't do you justice," the grieving dad said. "We can't thank you enough. On behalf of our whole family, Matthew's beautiful wife Carrie, his wonderful mum, Fiona, his lovely sister Amy and his big little brother Daniel, thank you for being here with us today. We've been overwhelmed by the love, the stories, the laughter and the tears shared over the past few weeks. It's reminded us again and again that Matthew wasn't just our son, brother, or husband, he belonged to all of you too." He continued: "He built a community around him, a network of friends, colleagues, students, neighbours and total strangers who somehow, after meeting him once, didn't stay strangers for long. He had that rare magic that pulled people in. He made them feel welcome, seen and included with his kindness, charm and a pint of Guinness in hand." Matthew Starkey (centre) He said his son's "journey started as a shy and quiet boy" who "preferred to stay at the edge of the crowd". "From those hesitant beginnings emerged a man who would grow to become the absolute centre of attention, who never for show or ego, but because people naturally gravitated towards his wit, his warmth, his wit and his sincerity," Mr Starkey said. "He was the one who brought people together, whether it was childhood friends, university pals, teaching colleagues, or people he'd met once on a night out. He had this beautiful habit of connecting people, nurturing those bonds, and what's more, he kept those friendships alive across cities, countries and time zones. "We've heard from so many people over the past few months, from extended friendship circles we didn't even know existed, and each message told the same story. Matthew was caring, thoughtful, uplifting and deeply, deeply loved." He described Carrie as the love of his son's life, adding: "From the moment they met, it was clear they were perfect for each other, each other's person, each other's home. In just four years, they built a beautiful life filled with travel, laughter and deep unwavering love." He continued: "The young couple should never have to endure what they have, but every step they took, they took together wholeheartedly and with incredible strength and through it all, their love never faltered." And on his son's career, Mr Starkey said: "Matthew travelled a few roads through his educational journey until he found his calling to teach. His passion was not just to educate his pupils, but to connect, to inspire, and to lift others up. "Teaching wasn't just a job to him, it was where he poured his whole heart and he didn't just teach lessons from a textbook. He taught empathy, he taught humour, he taught perspective and compassion. Matthew became the kind of teacher pupils remember forever, the one who made learning feel real, human and joyful." He continued: "Even when Matthew was diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer at just 32 years old, he still didn't stop giving. If anything, he gave more. He basically faced that diagnosis the same way he faced everything in life, with grace, courage and an incredible sense of humour. He launched his 'fast and tumorous' campaign, not just to share his journey, but to raise awareness for young people facing cancer and also raise valuable funds for friends at the Cancer Centre, an organisation close to his heart. "He turned that page into something extraordinary. It was filled with honesty, updates on his treatments, his reflections, his frustrations and, of course, cooking tips. All was delivered with that unmistakable twinkle in his eye. Even in his most difficult moments, he kept a smile." Fighting back tears, the grieving dad added: "He taught us more in the last few months than we ever taught him. He redefined what strength looks like with his courageous and inspiring approach to this particular journey. He brought love, laughter, great determination, positivity to every day. "We as a family say thank you, Matthew, for the privilege of being your wife, dad, mum, sister and a colleague." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Heartbreak at funeral of teacher who died just weeks after getting married
Much-loved teacher and 'absolute gentleman' laid to rest During the service, Frank Sharkey paid tribute to his son Matthew, who passed away earlier this week following a battle with cancer. He told mourners how his son: 'Built a community around him; a network of friends, colleagues, students, neighbours and strangers who somehow, after meeting him once, couldn't stay strangers for long. 'He had that rare magic to pull people in and made them feel welcome, seen and included with his kindness, charm and a pint of Guinness in hand.' Matthew was a teacher at St Colman's Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch News in 90 Seconds - Aug 7th He also paid tribute to the Marie Curie Hospice staff who took care of Matthew in his final days. 'You are all living saints and words don't do you justice, we can't thank you enough,' he said. Matthew Starkey spoke earlier this year about being diagnosed with a 'fast growing stage 4 spinal tumour'. The 32-year-old revealed that what started out as a seemingly innocuous football injury, had sent his life down a path he never could have imagined. Read more 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 who he described as the 'woman of his dreams'. On Monday, Matthew's family announced he had passed away surrounded by his loved ones at the Marie Curie Hospice. Matthew Starkey at his graduation with Carrie, mum Fiona and dad Frank His wife Carrie and mother Fiona both read a poem at the mass and his father Frank read out a eulogy paying tribute to his son. He described how Matthew was a 'shy and quiet boy' when he was a child and 'preferred to stay at the edge of the crowd'. 'From those hesitant beginnings emerged a man who would grow to become the absolute centre of attention – never for show or ego, but because people naturally gravitated towards him due to his warmth, his wit and his sincerity,' said Frank. Matthew Starkey and and fiancée Carrie Fleming 'We've heard from so many people over the past few months, from extended friendship circles we didn't even know existed, and they all say the same thing – that Matthew was caring, thoughtful, uplifting and deeply, deeply loved.' He spoke of how, from the moment he met his wife Carrie, 'she was the love of his life' and it was 'clear they were perfect for each other'. 'In just four years they built a beautiful life filled with travel, laughter and deep, unwavering love,' he said. 'A young couple should never have to endure what they have but every step they took, they took together, whole-heartedly and with unwavering strength.' He added how he faced his devastating cancer diagnosis the way he faced everything else in life – 'with grace, courage and an incredible sense of humour'. 'He faced the most unfair fight with dignity, courage and humour,' he added. Matthew Starkey 'He taught us more in the last few months than we ever taught him. 'It redefined what strength looks like. 'We all want to continue your legacy with love and pride, rest easy now, our beautiful boy.' He described how his son's passion for teaching was not just to educate his pupils, but to 'connect, to inspire and to lift others up'. 'Teaching wasn't just a job to him, it was where he poured his whole heart – he didn't just teach lessons from a textbook, he taught empathy, he taught humour, he taught perspective and compassion,' he said. 'He became the type of teacher pupils remember forever.' Pupils from St Colman's Sixth Form College formed a guard of honour at the funeral on Thursday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Carryduff. Matthew was a teacher at St Colman's Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch News Catch Up - Thursday 7th August During his homily, Very Reverend Canon Sean Rogan spoke of how the 'role of teacher is a noble vocation'. 'To be a teacher is to impart knowledge and to guide and support young citizens,' he said. St Colman's paid tribute to the former teacher of ICT, Business Studies and PE. They posted on Facebook: 'An absolute gentleman, loved by pupils and colleagues alike, we will remember Matthew for the inspirational role model that he was and the wide reach that he had across our whole school community. 'Matthew has left a lasting mark on us all and he will be sorely missed.'
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Funeral details released for young teacher who died weeks after wedding
Matthew Starkey spoke earlier this year about being diagnosed with a 'fast growing stage 4 spinal tumour' 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.'
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Health
- Sunday World
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
Belfast Telegraph
21-04-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
‘The diagnosis of my spinal tumour is terminal... I aim to prove them wrong'
At the end of 2024 Belfast man Matthew Starkey had so much to look forward to. A new teaching job, a new home, a new car and the prospect of getting married to his fiancée. But what started out as a seemingly innocuous football injury sent his life down a path he never could have imagined. He is still looking forward, but the 32-year-old's plans never included gruelling treatment for cancer. The prognosis isn't good. Doctors say he may have just a year. But positivity remains. He's not sitting back, despite spending more than a month in hospital since March rather than teaching at St Colman's Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, after his temporary contract was made permanent. Indeed, everything about his situation since that moment has been fast. 'Life's really throwing everything at me,' he said. While Matthew, who teaches business, IT and PE at St Colman's, will remain in hospital until his round of intensive treatment ends, he's ready to throw everything back at life once he gets out — starting with getting into his new home with fiancée Carrie Fleming. By September he hopes to take part in the Belfast Half Marathon in a wheelchair to raise funds for the Friends of the Cancer Centre. He said: 'A couple of months ago I was an able-bodied man, I went to the gym four times a week. 'I'd been playing seven-a-side football and came home with a sore leg. I thought I must have pulled a muscle. 'When the pain refused to go away you think of things like deep vein thrombosis. 'My foot was discoloured, the veins in my leg were standing out.' Several visits to the doctor followed, and eventually a collapsed valve at the top of his leg was diagnosed. It was corrected, other tests were clear, but the pain just refused to go away. 'I just felt something was wrong,' he said. 'I can remember buying flowers for Carrie before Valentine's Day and completely losing control of my right leg, falling into the window of the shop.' It got to the stage where Matthew couldn't walk. 'I had shocking pain, I couldn't go to the toilet, my stomach was so large I looked pregnant,' he explained. 'On February 13 my mum took me to hospital. I had an MRI scan and that's when they found a 3cm tumour through my spinal cord which would require urgent surgery.' He was operated on the next day, St Valentine's Day. 'I had been planning to ask Carrie to marry me, maybe in a year or so. In March I just went for it. We got engaged.' But a day after she said 'yes', the pain returned to his leg. A further MRI scan revealed the news he had been dreading. Just three weeks after his surgery, the tumour had grown back. Matthew has been in hospital since March 16. 'I've just completed 20 of the 30 treatments — I'm told I have been responding well,' he said. As he undergoes his ordeal, Carrie has been busy, with a wedding set for June and changes made to the house they bought together. There's also a wish-list of memories he wants to make — places to visit and things to do. Central to it all is fundraising for cancer charities, with one of his main targets the Belfast event in September. His wheelchair effort, he hopes, can contribute to his aim of raising £100,000. There's also those nuptials in the summer, and dreams of foreign travel. Matthew added: 'We both love Italy and have been there separately. We'd love to go together. 'And we're looking into going to see the Northern Lights. It's the medical insurance that's the real problem.' A GoFundMe page has raised more than £40,000 and a training schedule has been drawn up to get ready for the half marathon. Along with Carrie, Matthew said his parents have been hugely supportive. 'My mum Fiona had breast cancer a few years ago and has been right with me through all of this,' he explained. 'We've beaten cancer as a family before and we can do it again.' That positive, can-do attitude shines through. 'I might not make it back to school before the summer, but I plan to be there in September,' he said. In the meantime he'll be rejoining a gym, with fellow St Colman's teacher Stephen Conlon as a personal trainer. 'Stephen has worked with people with cerebral palsy. He's drawing up a plan for me so I can get used to the fitted wheelchair and get myself into shape,' Matthew said. 'Yes, my life has completely changed. There are moments when you come out of your treatment and you feel so ill. But I have a wonderful support network. 'I have the social media platforms to tell things like they are and hopefully get the message out there that no matter how insignificant you feel a pain or an issue is, you get it checked. That's what I did. 'The tumour may be fast-growing, but I'm here in the middle of getting the treatment and I'm staying positive that I'll come out the other side, get married, get into my new home and get back to teaching.' You have to stay positive, keep looking forward, he says. 'The diagnosis was terminal — I aim to prove them wrong,' he added.
