Funeral to take place in Hartlepool for crash death police officer Matthew Blades
A funeral will take place in Hartlepool on Wednesday for crash death police officer Matthew Blades.
PC Blades, 37, and Cleveland Police colleague PC Tom Clough died when their vehicle was hit by a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction along the A66, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of August 22.
The five male occupants of the Volkswagen also died in the collision.
Father-of-two PC Blades was a respected football coach in his spare time at two junior football clubs in town.
A public appeal organised by Cleveland Police Federation on behalf of the officers’ families has also raised more than £1.2m.
Ahead of Wednesday’s service, Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said: “The public have shown their support in so many ways.
“There’s been over £1.2 million raised for Matt and Tom’s families, which is overwhelming, and a great show of support.
“There have been comments on Facebook, we’ve had flowers delivered to our stations.
“People have been in touch from Australia, France, America. The support has been overwhelming and it’s been comforting.”
Describing PC Blades, she said: “Matthew was a best friend, husband, father, a brother and a son, and his family have said the words are not powerful enough to describe how they feel right now.
“He has been described as the heart of the family and he will be remembered beyond words today, tomorrow, and always.
“He would be so proud of all of the support that’s been shown from the public and from his colleagues to his family.
“His family have said they’re going miss everything about him more than words can say and his laughter and silly jokes made them smile even when they least expected it.
“He’s been described as bringing light and laughter into every room and now life feels unbearably quiet without him.”
Parking restrictions and road closures are expected near to where the funeral will be held.