Matthew Starkey: Tributes to much-loved teacher after cancer battle

The South Belfast man raised thousands for charity after being diagnosed with stage four cancer

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved teacher after his death months after being diagnosed with stage four cancer.

South Belfast man Matthew Starkey was diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer in February. On Monday, August 4, his family confirmed he had passed away.

After his diagnosis, Matthew, who had been an avid gym goer prior to his diagnosis, was determined to keep his fitness up and set himself a challenge of completing the Belfast Half Marathon later this year in a wheelchair.

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He documented his cancer battle on social media, under the name “Fast and Tumorous”, and raised £50,000 for charity.

In a post on social media, Matthew’s family 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.”

In June, the 32-year-old 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.”

Matthew taught business, IT, and PE at St Colman’s High School in Ballynahinch, securing a full-time teaching position at the school after undergoing a job interview from his hospital bed, after spending the past three years at the school on a temporary basis.

Speaking to Belfast Live about his diagnosis previously, Matthew said: “It feels very unfair to be told that I have stage four cancer after doing my best over the years to live healthy and things had been going well in my life up to that point, having bought a house with my fiancé, got my dream car and am working in a job that I love.

“My life has been completely changed and while it is very hard for me to process what the future holds, I am doing my best to keep a positive mindset and look towards the future regardless.

“While my diagnosis is not good, I won’t let the prognosis get in the way of me living my life and doing my best to prove it wrong. I have such an amazing support network around me with my family, my fiancé Carrie and her family and my friends and it is very reassuring to know that they will always be there for me through the difficult times.”

Tributes have been paid to Matthew, 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.”

One person said: “So heartbreaking. What a very courageous guy he was and exceptional teacher. Matthew you have certainly earned your place in Paradise. Thinking of your wife, family and friends at this terribly sad time. Heavenly father wrap your arms around him and welcome him home.”

Another post on social media read: “Heartbreaking for his friends, colleagues, students and family. Had been following his journey as my son attended the school. He kept the positivity throughout. Life can be so cruel, such a young man.”

A notice from O’Kane Funeral Directors said: “Starkey, Matthew. Passed away peacefully 3rd August 2025 surrounded by his loving Family at Marie Curie Hospice.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us” – Helen Keller. Funeral arrangements to follow.”

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