Fundraiser launched for families of Cleveland officers killed in crash
24 August 2026
West Mercia Police Federation has offered its condolences following the deaths of Cleveland Police officers PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough, and urged branch members to consider donating to a fundraiser supporting their loved ones.
In the early hours of Saturday (22 August), PC Blades and PC Clough were tragically killed in a collision on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough. They were 37 and 38 years old respectively.
Reacting to the ‘unfathomable and unthinkable’ incident, Cleveland Police Federation has pledged to ‘do everything we can to honour’ the late pair.
PC Matt Blades (left) and PC Tom Clough
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.
“Lauren [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 over how to donate or support their families. To facilitate this and to stop any rogue pages gaining tractions or donations, we have taken the decision to launch a GoFundMe page.”
Fundraiser
West Mercia Police Federation chair Gareth Spreadbury has given his backing to the fundraiser, which will split all proceeds evenly between the families of the two officers.
Gareth said: “On behalf of our Federation, I would firstly like to express our deepest sympathies for the losses of PC Blades and PC Clough. Their sudden deaths are incredibly sad and shocking and will be extremely difficult to take for everyone within the policing family.
“They were clearly both amazing human beings and police officers, who will be dearly missed by so many relatives, friends and colleagues.
“In the hardest time of their lives, their closest loved ones now need to feel as much support from their police family as possible. I would encourage our branch members to take a look at the fundraising page and consider donating or even just sharing it along for others to see.
Support
“This won’t take the pain away for their families, but I’m sure it will provide them with some comfort as they begin to grieve their losses – especially seeing such a wave of love and togetherness from their loved ones’ colleagues and fellow professionals.
“I would also like to remind our branch members to be kind to themselves in the wake of this awful news, especially if it has had an impact on you. Remember that we are here for you as a Federation, and you can always lean on us for support.”
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.
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