Matthew was determined to take part in the half marathon before his passing with his friends now taking on the challenge in his memory
The friends of late teacher Matthew Starkey are to run the Belfast Half Marathon this year in his memory.
South Belfast school-teacher Matthew Starkey had been hoping to take part in the half marathon this year in a wheelchair after he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer when a tumour was found in his spine.
Sadly, less than two months before he was due to take part, the 32-year-old passed away, weeks after he had married “the woman of his dreams” Carrie.
READ MORE: Dad’s moving funeral tribute after death of Belfast teacher who faced cancer with ‘grace, courage and humour’READ MORE: Matthew Starkey: Tributes to much-loved teacher after cancer battle
Following his death there was an outpouring of grief across Belfast as many paid tribute to the much-loved teacher, who remained in a positive and upbeat spirit right to the end.
While Matthew was undergoing his cancer treatment, he was also training to take part in the Belfast Half Marathon in a wheelchair and documented this through his social media account ‘Fast and Tumourous’. Through this he raised thousands of pounds for important causes while aiming to help and inspire others.
Now in an effort to finish what Matthew had started a group of his friends are going to be running the half marathon in his memory, wearing a shirt that was specifically designed by Matthew.
They are also continuing to raise funds in his memory for charity Friends of the Cancer Centre using his original JustGiving link.
At Matthew’s funeral, his father Frank paid tribute to his sons fundraising campaign and how despite the difficulties he faced, he kept his sense of humour and determination to help others.
He said: “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 organization 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.”
If you would like to donate to the Matthew’s JustGiving fundraiser please follow this link.
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