Latest news with #SixthFormCollege
Sunday World
a day 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
3 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Funeral details released for Belfast teacher (30s) who died from spinal cancer weeks after wedding
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 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, 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.' 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. Watch: Dramatic footage of house damaged by fallen tree in Ashgrove Park 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Funeral details released for Belfast man who died from spinal cancer weeks after wedding
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, 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.' 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
4 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
