The wife of one of the two officers killed during the fatal A66 crash has said her husband’s tragic death has “left a space that can never be filled”, as thousands worth of donations make their way to both families.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, died alongside PC Tom Clough, 38, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday.
Five males aged between 17 and 23 years who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed.
The wife of PC Matthew Blades has paid tribute to her “beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father.”
In a statement released through Cleveland Police, she said the pain of losing her husband was “beyond words” but that their children would grow up always knowing “what an incredible father” he was.
“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.
“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.
“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.”
A GoFundMe page for the families of both officers has so far raised more than £30,000, after being set up Cleveland Police Federation in tribute to their two “brave Cleveland Police colleagues”.
“Both dedicated and committed police officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public”, a statement on the page reads.
“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.”
The federation said it would continue to support the officers’ families “at this unfathomable moment”, and wanted to help them “in any way as they try to navigate this traumatic time”.
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Any funds raised will be split equally between the two families to be used as they so wish, the statement added.
PC Blades’ wife continued: “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.
“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.
“He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.
“We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives.
“The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
Pc Clough’s family earlier described the officer as “a hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason”.
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