Fundraiser launched for families of fallen Cleveland Police officers

24 August 2026

A fundraising page has been created to support the families of PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough following the tragic deaths of the Cleveland Police officers over the weekend. 

In the early hours of Saturday (22 August), the two officers lost their lives in a crash on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police Federation has described the incident as ‘unfathomable and unthinkable’, before pledging to ‘do everything we can to honour them’.

Cleveland branch secretary Carl Baker said: “PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Cleveland Police officers, who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

PC Matt Blades (left) and PC Tom Clough

“Lauren Somerville [branch chair] and I have been working 24/7 since we got that call that nobody wants to receive and will continue to do so to ensure our fallen colleagues and their families get everything they need.

“We have had a number of requests about how to donate or support their families. To facilitate this and to stop any rogue pages gaining traction or donations, we have taken the decision to launch a GoFundMe page.”

Carl went on to confirm all proceeds from the fundraiser will be split evenly between the loved ones of PC Blades and PC Clough, who were 37 and 38 years old respectively.

Fundraising

Durham Police Federation chair Louise Guest has offered her condolences for the deaths of the officers, before encouraging the backing of the GoFundMe page.

Louise said: “It was heartbreaking to learn what had happened on Saturday, and 48 hours later, the policing family is still coming to terms with the loss of PC Blades and PC Clough.

“They were two men with the rest of their lives and careers still ahead of them – clearly, very much loved by their families and friends, and valued by their colleagues as dedicated and hardworking officers.

“Nothing can take their pain away, but what their relatives need now is to be rallied around in their time of need. This fundraising page helps to do that, with the money raised making a difference to their lives as they grieve and learn to adapt to life without their loved ones.

Donation

“I would encourage our branch members to take a look at the page and consider making a donation, which I’m sure would be warmly appreciated by our colleagues at Cleveland Police Federation.

“As you take in such sad and shocking news about two police officers not far away from us, in whatever way feels appropriate and right for you, I would also like to remind you that, as a Federation, we are here.

“When the worst happens, as it has here, it is absolutely essential that we stick together as a policing family and are there for each other. This is not a time for anyone to struggle alone, and we will help and support you in whatever way we can.”

You can visit the fundraising page for PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough here. This is the only official fundraising platform from Cleveland Police Federation, with donations protected and guaranteed to go directly to the families of the fallen officers.

READ MORE: Thoughts with those who have died in the Cleveland collision.