A fundraising campaign for the families of two Cleveland Police officers killed in an A66 crash has surpassed £200,000 within hours. The GoFundMe page, set up by the Cleveland Police Federation, has attracted more than 4,100 donations to date.
Officers killed in head-on collision
PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died in the collision during the early hours of Saturday morning, close to Middlesbrough. Their police vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the incorrect side of the carriageway, with all five occupants of that vehicle also losing their lives.
Federation appeal for support
The federation posted a message on the fundraising page: "PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public."
"Tragedy struck these two brave Cleveland Police colleagues in the early hours of 22nd August 2026, and they paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They did not return home to their families, and they leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one."
The message continued: "Cleveland Police Federation are supporting and will continue to support the families of Matt and Tom at this unfathomable moment. We are asking for help to support the families of our two colleagues, to assist them in any way as they try to navigate this traumatic time."
"Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish. Please note this is the only official fundraising platform from Cleveland Police Federation."
Family tributes
The family of PC Clough shared a tribute: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason."
The wife of PC Blades 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. He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle."
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe page, and further information and the latest developments in the response to the incident are available via a dedicated live blog.
