A fundraising campaign set up by the Cleveland Police Federation for the families of two officers killed in a head-on collision
A GoFundMe page established for the families of two Cleveland Police officers killed in an A66 crash in South Bank has surpassed £200,000 within hours. The fundraising appeal, organised by the Cleveland Police Federation, has attracted more than 4,100 donations to date.
PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, lost their lives in the collision during the early hours of Saturday morning, close to Middlesbrough. The officers died when their police vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the incorrect side of the carriageway, with all five occupants of that vehicle also perishing.
Read more: Two officers killed in A66 crash pictured as families issue heartbreaking tributes
The federation has posted this message on the fundraising page: “PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.
“Tragedy struck these two brave Cleveland Police colleagues in the early hours of 22nd August 2026, and they paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They did not return home to their families, and they leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
“Cleveland Police Federation are supporting and will continue to support the families of Matt and Tom at this unfathomable moment. We are asking for help to support the families of our two colleagues, to assist them in any way as they try to navigate this traumatic time.”, reports Teesside Live.
“Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish. Please note this is the only official fundraising platform from Cleveland Police Federation.”
The heartbroken family of PC Clough shared this tribute: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason.”
The heartbroken wife of PC Blades also said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt, my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys. He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle.”
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