EVERYONE NOTICED WHAT WAS PLACED ON TOP OF PC MATTHEW BLADES’ HEARSE — AND IT SAID EVERYTHING

A heartbreaking “DAD” floral tribute marked the final farewell for the 37-year-old police officer and father of two.

The streets of Hartlepool fell silent as hundreds of police officers, emergency workers and members of the public gathered to say goodbye to PC Matthew Blades, the 37-year-old officer who lost his life in the devastating A66 crash.

But amid the uniforms, flags and solemn procession, one small detail on top of the hearse carried perhaps the most powerful message of all.

A white-and-red floral tribute spelling “DAD” was placed on the roof of Matthew’s hearse.

For a father of two young boys, aged six and eight, those three letters captured the role that mattered beyond his police uniform — being their dad.

A FINAL FAREWELL IN HARTLEPOOL

PC Blades was laid to rest at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Hartlepool, his hometown, on September 9.

Standard bearers representing police forces from across the UK attended the service, while hundreds of officers lined Hutton Avenue outside the church.

Members of the public also gathered to pay their respects.

Four mounted officers stood guard as the funeral cortege approached, while a police motorbike outrider led the hearse towards the church.

Four pipers and a drummer accompanied the procession, playing “Amazing Grace” as Matthew’s coffin, covered by a Union Flag, was carried into the church.

THE WORD THAT SAID IT ALL

Among the many tributes surrounding the funeral, the floral “Dad” arrangement immediately stood out.

Matthew was a married father of two young boys.

His wife had previously described him as her “beloved husband” and “best friend”, while paying tribute to him as a devoted father.

She said the family had lost the “heart” of their family and that the pain of his absence would be felt every day.

But she also spoke of the love, laughter and memories he had given them — memories that would remain with his children for the rest of their lives.

The simple word on the hearse therefore carried enormous meaning.

DAD.

Nothing more was needed.

HE WAS MORE THAN A POLICE OFFICER

Matthew was remembered not only as an armed response officer, but also as a husband, father, teacher and football coach.

He had been a teacher at Carmel College in Darlington, where colleagues remembered him as a caring educator who worked closely with some of the most vulnerable young people.

He was also passionate about football and had recently become involved in coaching young players.

His family said he was the joker of the family — someone who brought light and laughter into every room.

After his death, his wife said life had become unbearably quiet without him.

His laughter, silly jokes and ability to make people smile were among the things the family said they would miss most.

KILLED ALONGSIDE HIS POLICE COLLEAGUE

Matthew died alongside fellow officer PC Tom Clough, 38, in the early hours of August 22.

The pair were travelling in a marked armed response vehicle on the A66 near Middlesbrough when it was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the road.

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

The crash claimed seven lives in total and is being investigated by the police watchdog.

Matthew and Tom had been carrying out their duties when their vehicle was struck.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the two officers as “brave, committed, professional people” who put the public before themselves.

A CITY CAME TO SAY GOODBYE

The turnout for Matthew’s funeral reflected the impact he had made both inside and outside policing.

Police officers travelled from across the country to stand alongside their Cleveland Police colleagues.

Members of the public also lined the streets of Hartlepool, wanting to show their respect to a local officer whose life had ended far too soon.

Inside the church, Matthew’s coffin was accompanied by police ceremonial traditions.

Outside, officers embraced and comforted one another as they remembered their colleague.

And above the hearse, one simple floral tribute remained visible throughout the procession:

“DAD.”

For Matthew’s two young sons, it was a final tribute to the man they will grow up remembering not only as a police officer who served his community — but as the father who loved them.

His uniform, his service and his bravery will be remembered.

But for his family, he will always be something even more personal.

Their husband. Their father. Their Matt.

And forever — Dad. ❤️