The 32-year-old has been remembered for his “massive smile, sense of humour, and wit.”
The funeral details have been announced for a South Belfast man who was battling incurable cancer. Matthew Starkey was diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer in February this year, months after what started out as a football injury.
Speaking to Belfast Live earlier this year, the 32-year-old 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 for Friends of the Cancer Centre.
READ MORE: Matthew Starkey: Tributes to much-loved teacher after cancer battleREAD MORE: Belfast man with stage 4 cancer diagnosis aiming to be ‘fast and tumorous’ with marathon fundraiser
While in hospital, Matthew interviewed for a job at St Colman’s Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch, and got a full-time position at the school after three years there on a temporary basis.
In June, he 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.
“The generosity and support from this page helped aid us in planning a wedding in a such a short space of time. I hope my health will allow me to continue to make memories like this and possibly have a honeymoon in the near future.”
In a post on social media on Monday, August 4, Matthew’s family shared the sad news that he had passed away while in hospice care.
They said: “We lost our darling Matthew on Sunday, 3rd August at 10:10, peacefully surrounded by all his loved ones. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all.
“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 @mariecurieuk 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. Love, The Starkeys.”
A funeral notice shared that Matthew will be reposing at his grandmother’s house in the Four Wind’s area from today, with his funeral taking place later this week.
The notice added: “Visitors welcome Tuesday and Wednesday between 1.00pm – 4.00pm and 6.00pm -10.00pm
“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 described Matthew as: “Beloved husband of Carrie, cherished son of Fiona and Frank, loving brother of Aimee, Daniel and their partners Stuart and Lucy. Dear son-in-law of Guy and Jackie, brother-in-law of Denver, Christopher, Hollie, Katie, Chloe and Josh, much loved uncle of Robin and Noah.”
Tributes have been paid to Matthew on social media, with many remembering him as a “courageous guy”, “exceptional teacher”, and “an inspiration to all”. Sharing the funeral notice, his wife, Carrie, said: “Sleep tight my darling angel.”
The Belvedere Café Restaurant on the Newtownards Road said Matthew joined their team in July 2020, with the team remembering his “massive smile, sense of humour, and wit.”
They added: “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.
“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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