THOUSANDS GATHERED TO SAY GOODBYE — THEN THEY SAW THE ONE WORD ON POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW BLADES’ HEARSE

The fallen officer was a devoted father of two. At his funeral, one heartbreaking tribute said everything his young sons could not put into words.

Hundreds of police officers lined the streets of Hartlepool as PC Matthew Blades, 37, was given a full ceremonial funeral following his death in the devastating A66 crash.

But amid the uniforms, flags, bagpipes and solemn silence, it was one simple word on top of his hearse that captured the heartbreak of the day.

“DAD.”

The white-and-red floral tribute was placed across the roof of the hearse as Matthew made his final journey through his hometown. The tribute was from his two young sons, aged six and eight.

For the children who had lost their father, there could hardly have been a more powerful goodbye.

A FATHER WHO NEVER MADE IT HOME

Matthew was a married father of two and an armed-response officer with Cleveland Police.

He was killed on August 22, alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, when their marked police vehicle was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

Five young men travelling in the Passat also died in the crash.

Matthew should have returned home to his wife and children.

Instead, just weeks later, his family stood waiting as his coffin was carried through the streets of the town where he had grown up.

THE WORD THAT SAID IT ALL

On September 9, hundreds of officers and members of the public gathered in Hartlepool for Matthew’s funeral.

Standard bearers representing police forces from across the UK attended the service at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.

Officers lined Hutton Avenue as the funeral cortege approached.

A police motorbike outrider led the procession, while four pipers and a drummer played “Amazing Grace.”

Matthew’s coffin, covered by the Union Flag, was carried into the church.

And above it all was the floral tribute:

DAD.

It was only four letters.

But for Matthew’s two sons, it represented the person they had lost — their father, their hero and the man they were supposed to have many more years with.

A COMMUNITY THAT REMEMBERED HIM

Matthew was remembered as much more than a police officer.

He was a husband, father, friend and football coach who had a strong connection with the local community.

His wife previously described him as her “beloved husband” and “best friend,” while calling him a devoted father to their two boys.

She also said her husband would always be remembered as their “superhero.”

That sentiment was reflected in the enormous turnout for his funeral.

Police officers from across the country stood shoulder-to-shoulder alongside members of the public who had come simply to show their respect.

Four mounted officers also stood guard as the cortege approached the church.

A FINAL GOODBYE FROM HIS BOYS

For most people watching the funeral procession, the word on the hearse may have been just a floral tribute.

For Matthew’s children, it was something much more personal.

Their father would never again walk through the front door.

He would never coach another football game, watch his sons grow older or share the ordinary moments that make up a child’s memories of their dad.

But on the day Hartlepool said goodbye, his sons made sure one word remained at the heart of the farewell.

Dad.

And as the hearse passed through streets lined with officers and mourners, that single word became one of the most emotional images of Matthew Blades’ final journey.

He was a police officer who died serving his community.

But to two little boys, he was simply — and forever — Dad.