(Image: Carmel College.)
A Darlington school has paid tribute to its former “much-loved” English teacher, PC Matthew Blades, who was killed in a crash on the A66.
PC Blades died after a marked Cleveland Police vehicle was involved in a crash at South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22.
He was one of two officers killed in the crash, alongside PC Tom Clough. Five people travelling in a Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene.
Before becoming a police officer, PC Blades worked as a teacher at Carmel College.
The school paid tribute to him in a social-media post, describing him as “an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher”.
The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that the Carmel College community joins people across our region in mourning the tragic loss of life this weekend.
“In a particular way, we remember PC Matthew Blades, who was a much-loved and highly valued member of staff at Carmel before leaving teaching to begin a new vocation of service as a police officer.
“Many within our community will remember Matty as an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher, a valued colleague and someone who gave generously of himself to the young people in his care.
“We remember with great affection the contribution he made to life at Carmel and give thanks for the difference he made during his time with us.
“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Matthew’s wife, his two sons, his wider family, friends and colleagues, and with all those who knew and loved him.
“We pray too for PC Tom Clough, his loved ones, and all those affected by the wider tragedy and loss of life.
“When we return to College, Mass will be offered for the happy repose of the soul of Matthew Blades, and we will continue to hold in prayer all those who mourn and all whose lives have been changed by what has happened.”
A fundraising page launched in memory of the two officers has raised more than £300,000.
Funds raised will be divided equally between the two families, which can be donated to here: Fundraiser by Carl Baker : PC Matthew Blades and PC Thomas Clough
She said: “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.
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“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.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”