A serving Inspector from South Wales Police has completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in full public order equipment to honour two police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty and to raise vital funds for the families they left behind.

As a charity, Thin Blue Line UK encourages anyone who is able to support this challenge and help provide practical assistance to the families of the fallen officers to consider making a donation. Scott to date has raised an incredible £3800 to date!

On Saturday 22nd August 2026, Police Constable Matthew Blades and Police Constable Tom Clough were killed while carrying out their duties when their marked police vehicle was struck on the A66 near Middlesbrough by a vehicle travelling the wrong way along the carriageway. Neither officer expected that shift to be their last. Neither returned home to their loved ones. Matthew left behind his wife, Sarah, and two young sons aged just six and eight. Tom also left behind his partner, two children, and a wider network of family and friends now facing an unimaginable loss.

Determined to ensure the officers are remembered and their families supported, Scott an Inspector from South Wales Police tackled the 13.1 mile Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 4th October 2026 while wearing full operational public order equipment, including a helmet, fire-retardant overalls, protective pads and shield.

Explaining the motivation behind the challenge on his Just Giving page, Scott said... "I never had the privilege of knowing Matthew or Tom personally. I never worked alongside them, shared a shift with them or knew their families. But in policing, there is a bond that exists between us regardless of force, rank or role. When tragedy strikes one of our own, we all feel it.

Every mile, every step and every uncomfortable moment in that kit will be for Matthew, Tom and, most importantly, the families and children they left behind. My hope is to raise as much money as possible to provide practical support for those families as they face a future they never imagined".

The challenge serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers across the United Kingdom and the lasting impact felt by those left behind when an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Andrea a Trustee of Thin Blue Line UK praised the Inspector's efforts and commitment to supporting the wider policing family by saying... "All of the trustees here at Thin Blue Line UK fully support Scott's incredible challenge and the dedication he has shown by completing the Cardiff Half Marathon. The policing family is built on unity, compassion and standing together through the most difficult of times. By undertaking this race in memory of Matthew and Tom, Scott is helping to ensure their families know they are not alone and that their loved ones' service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are proud to support Scott's fundraising efforts and the difference this will make, he should be proud to have smashed through his £500 initial fundraising target".

You can support Scott and his fundraising journey by clicking HERE to donate.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps demonstrate that the policing community and the public continue to stand alongside the families of Matthew and Tom. As Scott has now completed his challenge, the message remains simple... they went to work to protect others, and they should never be forgotten.