GoFundMe set up for two police officers killed in horror crash reaches huge milestone as new statement given
The fundraiser for the families of the two police officers, who died when a car on the wrong side on a dual carriageway crashed into their vehicle on the A66, has raised over £240,000.
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, of Cleveland Police were killed when a Volkswagen Passat being pursued by police hit their response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated in Teesside on Saturday (22 August) morning.
Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene.
Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat, believed to have been using cloned plates.
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A GoFundMe set up for the families surpassed £200,000 just six hours after the link was first shared by organisers at the Cleveland Police Federation.
At the time of writing, £240,708 has been raised of a £400,000 target.
“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,” the fundraiser reads.
“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.
“They leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
“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.”
A second crowdfunder for their families had also raised more than £26,400, as of Sunday night.
Cleveland Police said an armed response vehicle pursued the Passat for just under seven minutes before the car drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic.
Officers aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway until the Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after it ceased.
Pc Clough’s family said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.
“Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.
“We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”
Pc Blades, meanwhile, had become a Seaton Carew FC coach, as the football club said he had preparing to coach his own son in the coming season.
His wife said he was 'the most devoted father' and was 'adored' as a son, brother, son-in-law and uncle.
“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,” she said in a tribute on Sunday.
“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.”
Anish Vij