‘MY BELOVED HUSBAND, MY BEST FRIEND’… WIFE OF PC MATTHEW BLADES PAYS HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE AFTER A66 CRASH

“MY BELOVED HUSBAND, MY BEST FRIEND… THE MOST DEVOTED FATHER.”

Those were the heartbreaking words from the wife of PC Matthew Blades, 37, after the Cleveland Police officer lost his life in the devastating A66 crash that claimed seven lives.

Matthew died alongside fellow officer PC Tom Clough, 38, when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 collided with their marked armed-response vehicle near Middlesbrough in the early hours of August 22. Five men travelling in the Passat also died. An Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation is examining the circumstances of the crash.

But behind the uniform was a husband, a father and a man deeply involved in his children’s lives.

His wife described Matthew as an “adored son and brother,” a “perfect son-in-law” and “the most fun uncle.”

And for their two young boys, he was simply Dad.

She said their children would grow up knowing what an incredible father he was — and that his love and memory would never fade.

HE WAS ALSO A FOOTBALL COACH

Matthew wasn’t only a police officer.

He was a familiar face on the football sidelines, coaching teams connected to his sons.

He had recently joined Seaton Carew FC as coach of the Under-7 Seahawks and had been looking forward to coaching his own son.

He had also coached his eldest son and other youngsters with FC Hartlepool, where he was remembered as a role model, mentor and friend.

Now, the children he once coached will have to grow up without him.

“HE GAVE HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY”

In her tribute, Matthew’s wife said he had given his life protecting and serving others “with courage, dedication and selflessness.”

She thanked emergency services and the wider police family for standing beside them during what she described as the most difficult time of their lives.

And then came the words that captured the devastation of his loss:

“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”

Matthew’s death has left behind a grieving wife, two young sons, family, friends, colleagues and children he helped coach.

To the public, he was a police officer.

To them, he was a husband, a father, a coach — and their superhero. 💙