A WORKINGTON family has been overwhelmed by tributes to their late son and brother.

Raymond Starkey, 55, died this week only four weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

His family has been inundated with over 800 messages of support and stories that they knew nothing about. They said they were grateful to everyone, including John Sandelands funeral directors.

Sister Alison said: “We have heard from two people who he comforted. One was a woman who was sitting on a cemetery bench crying. Raymond sat down and cried with her. In another instance a man did not want to go home after burying his mother. Raymond sat by his side the whole night.

“There are so many stories of his compassion.”

He was a friend to many but a loved son to Joyce and the late Harry and loved stepson of Ken O’Neil.

His mother said: “Raymond’s two loves were music and nature. He loved fishing with his Dad and he loved birds of prey.

“I was always there as my son fought the many battles in his life but this last was the one he could not win.”

Several tributes mentioned a great singing voice and the fact that he always had a song in his heart and on his lips.

Alex Elliot said: “I grew up near Raymond’s mam and can remember Raymond always singing when he was walking past – great voice.”

Kelsey Bell talked about his sense of joy: “Was in Workington hospital with my Granda late last year. Made my Granda’s time in their fun, exciting and full of laughs. They would watch films together and take over the ward. He would dance around their room so joyful. RIP Ray, x”

Charles Turner: “R.I.P Raymond I will never forget the day he helped a seagull and it had bit him on the lip. So caring even for a bird.”

A private service will be held at the Distington Hall Crematorium next Thursday. However, if they observe social distancing rules, people will be welcome to line the funeral route which will pass Washington Street at 10.10am, continue to Ennerdale Avenue where his mother lives and then follow a route down Honister Avenue, Newlands Lane and up through Harrington to Distington.

People will also be allowed to travel to Distington as long as they do not get out of their cars.

Floral tributes can be left at Sandelands Funeral Directors on Main Road, Seaton, by next Wednesday.