Wife pays tribute after funeral for PC Matthew Blades: family ‘heart’ gone but memories remain

# Funeral and family tribute

PC Matthew Blades was buried in Hartlepool at St Joseph's Church following a full police funeral. Hundreds of fellow officers lined the streets and formed a ceremonial guard of honour as the procession passed. A floral tribute on the hearse read "Dad."

His wife issued an emotional tribute after the service. She called him her "beloved best friend, my husband and father to our beautiful boys," and said the family has lost its heart. She said the absence will be painful every day, but that his love, the memories he created, and the place he holds in the family will remain with their children.

# Circumstances of the deaths

PC Blades and PC Tom Clough died at the scene of a collision on the A66 in Middlesbrough when their marked police car was struck by a VW Passat travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway. Five young men who were in the Passat also died in the crash.

# Community and policing response

Cleveland Police leaders and colleagues spoke at the funeral. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller delivered a tribute during the hour-long service. The Cleveland Police Federation set up a GoFundMe that raised more than
.2m to support the families of the fallen officers.

Lauren Somerville, chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, said the police community ''came together'' and praised the familys dignity since the August crash. She described Blades as a deeply loved colleague and a cherished football coach, and said policing in Cleveland will continue while ensuring the officers memories are not forgotten.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson thanked members of the community who lined the streets and those who supported the ceremonial parade leading Blades to the church.

# Local sporting tributes and coaching legacy

Blades was a father of two and a football coach at FC Hartlepool. Clubs including Seaton Carew FC paid respects. FC Hartlepool renamed one of its teams in his memory and noted he had recently joined as a coach and was looking forward to coaching his son in the under-7s team.

# What was said about him

In accounts given at the service and in his wifes statement, colleagues and family described Blades as funny and full of life: the familys joker who could make people smile even when least expected. His wife said those memories of humour and love will stay with the family forever.

# Ongoing support

Organisers and colleagues made clear that support for the families will continue beyond the funeral. The Cleveland Police Federation and other policing networks emphasised continued care for the bereaved families as investigations and community recovery proceed.