The uncle of a police officer who died in the line of duty will finish the charity running challenge his nephew was unable to complete. Reuben Dowding will run the Kielder Half Marathon in memory of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
PC Blades was killed in a collision on the A66 in August, alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough. Earlier this month, PC Blades' friend of 30 years, Daragh Burke, completed the Great North Run for his friend, wearing the number assigned to him before his death. Now his uncle, Reuben Dowding, will take on the Kielder Half Marathon to complete the challenge in his memory.
A Year of Fundraising for Parkinson's UK
PC Blades was a keen runner and had been tackling a year of races to raise funds for Parkinson's UK, which was due to conclude at the Altra Kielder Marathon weekend on 3 and 4 October. In January, he started his year of fundraising by running 10 kilometres every day for a month, laying the foundations for a year of running in support of the charity.
He secured places at a series of events during the year, including the Middlesbrough Half Marathon, Sunderland City Half Marathon, Great North Run and Kielder Marathon. His uncle Reuben, 62, will take his place at the Kielder Half Marathon on Sunday, October 4, in honour of both PC Blades and PC Clough.
Family Support at Kielder
Members of the family will also travel to Kielder to cheer him on, including PC Blades' sister. Reuben said: "Since we lost Matthew, our family has been overwhelmed by the support of people from across the whole of the North East, and the running community has been a huge part of that. Matthew loved running and he was so motivated by the challenge that he was taking on to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.
"So we are determined to complete that in his memory, and to honour Tom too. I have to admit that I am nervous about taking on the Kielder Half Marathon. A few weeks to train for a half marathon is a big challenge in its own right, but I definitely have the spirit and determination. I will be wearing Matthew's number and that will keep me motivated every step of the way."
About the Kielder Marathon
Founded in 2010, the Altra Kielder Marathon is known as 'Britain's most beautiful' and follows a route around Kielder Water, taking in much of the Lakeside Way. Over the years, the event has grown into a two-day festival of running that also includes a half marathon, 10K, gravel duathlon (run-bike-run) and junior runs.
It is organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Northumbrian Water, Forestry England, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and official charity partner 4 Louis. Donations to Reuben Dowding's fundraising for Parkinson's UK in memory of PC Matthew Blades can be made via the fundraising page.
