Middlesbrough, England.— The community continues to mourn PC Matthew Blades, the 37-year-old Cleveland Police officer who lost his l1f3 alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, following the devastating collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough on August 22, 2026.
The two officers were travelling in a marked Cleveland Police vehicle when a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction collided with their vehicle during the early hours of the morning.
Seven people lost their l1v3s in the collision. Along with Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, the five occupants of the Volkswagen were identified as Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; Theo Rae, 17; and Cole Robert Worthy, 17.
Matthew Blades was a teacher before becoming an officer
Behind the police uniform was a man who had already spent years helping young people.
Before entering policing, Matthew Blades worked as an English teacher and was remembered as a kind, intelligent and approachable educator.
His commitment to young people continued outside his professional career. Football played an important role in Matthew’s family life, and he dedicated part of his free time to coaching children’s teams.
He had been looking forward to coaching his younger son with Seaton Carew’s newly formed Under-7 Seahawks, while his eldest son was already involved in the local football community.
Matthew’s wife described him as her “beloved husband,” “best friend” and a devoted father to their two young boys.
She said their sons would grow up knowing what an incredible father they had and emphasized that Matthew’s greatest legacy would be the enormous amount of love he gave his family.
Her emotional tribute concluded with the words:
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero.”
Tom Clough also remembered for a life of service
PC Tom Clough, 38, is also being remembered by relatives, friends and colleagues following the tr4g3dy.
Clough had a background of public service before his time with Cleveland Police, including military service and policing experience.
The loss of both officers has deeply affected their families, colleagues and communities across northeast England.
More than £1 million reportedly raised
Public support following the collision has been significant, with fundraising efforts for the families of Matthew Blades and Tom Clough reportedly surpassing £1 million.
Thousands of people have contributed as messages of remembrance continue to be shared for both officers.
Meanwhile, investigations remain underway to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the events that preceded the A66 collision.
For Matthew’s loved ones, however, his legacy extends far beyond his police service.
He was a teacher, police officer, football coach, husband and father — different roles connected by his dedication to helping other people.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, lost their l1v3s in the line of duty on August 22, 2026. Their families, colleagues and communities continue to remember the men behind the uniforms and the lasting impact they left on those around them.
