Support for fundraiser for families of fallen officers ‘humbling’ says branch chair

25 August 2026

A fundraising page has been launched to support the families of two police officers killed on duty.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation members are being encouraged to consider supporting the appeal following the tragic deaths of Cleveland Police officers PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough.

More than £800,000 has been raised since the appeal was launched by Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday.

PC Clough, 38, and PC Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough. Five other people also died in the collision.

 

PC Matt Blades (left) and PC Tom Clough

 

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees said: “On behalf of the branch, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of PC Blades and PC Clough, and to everyone affected by the collision.

“It is humbling to see the generosity people have shown towards their families. At a time when we could be forgiven for thinking the public don’t care about police officers, the scale of the public response to the appeal has been moving.

“They are showing that they stand with the families and the colleagues left behind in the aftermath of this needless tragedy. That means an enormous amount to the policing family.

“No amount of money can take away the pain of losing someone you love, but this incredible support will help make things a little easier financially in the future and sends the message to those families that they are not alone.

Compassion

“It also shows that, despite everything, there is still a huge amount of respect and compassion for the officers who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep others safe.

“We are all thinking of PC Blades and PC Clough’s families, friends, colleagues and everyone affected by this terrible incident.

“I would encourage our members to consider supporting the appeal if they are able to, whether that is through making a donation or sharing the fundraiser.”

PC Blades was married with two sons. PC Clough leaves behind a partner.

Funds raised through the appeal will be split between the two families, who will be able to use the money as they wish.

Appeal

Lauren Somerville, Cleveland Police Federation chair, said she was ‘simply staggered’ by the support given to the fundraising appeal and thanked people for their kind donations.

"We are a small force, and the death of our colleagues has been felt deeply. We are completely numb.

“Matt and Tom were not just colleagues, they were friends, teammates and valued members of the policing family.

“If some good can come of this, and the officer’s families can see such a phenomenal show of support from the public and police family towards them, and their future lives can be made just that little bit easier, then that is a small something that will keep us all going in the toughest of times.”

The officers’ families have paid tribute to them.

Matt’s wife 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.

Fun uncle

"He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

"The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.

"Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.

"He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.

Gratitude

"We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives.

"The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.

“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."

The family of Tom said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.

"We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

Support the appeal at https://www.gofundme.com/f/pc-matthew-blades-and-pc-thomas-clough

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