Matthew, 37, who was killed in a road traffic accident alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, was a keen runner and had been racing to raise funds for Parkinsons UK.
Now his uncle, Reuben Dowding, 62, ran the Kielder Half Marathon at the weekend in Matthew’s memory.
He said on his fundraising page: “I am fundraising for Parkinson’s UK to continue the fundraising started by PC Matthew Blades, whose mother-in-law was diagnosed back in 2025. Matthew was tragically killed while carrying out his duty as a Special Firearms Officer in August 2026. His best friend since school days, Daragh, completed the Great North Run with his number and bib. For the final event of the series, the Kielder Half Marathon, as a member of Matthew’s wider family, I am honoured to take part and carry his number and bib over the final finishing line.”
Family members were at the event to cheer Reuben on.
Reuben told the Altra Kielder Marathon website: “Since we lost Matthew, our family has been overwhelmed by the support of people across the whole of the North East, and the running community has been a huge part of that. Matthew loved running and he was so motivated by the challenge that he was taking on to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK. So we are determined to complete that in his memory, and to honour Tom too.
“I have to admit that I am nervous about taking on the Kielder Half Marathon. A few weeks to train for a half marathon is a big challenge in its own right, but I definitely have the spirit and determination. I will be wearing Matthew’s number and that will keep me motivated every step of the way.”
Founded in 2010, the Altra Kielder Marathon is known as “Britain’s most beautiful” and follows a route around Kielder Water, taking in much of the Lakeside Way.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Matthew Blades’ fundraising for Parkinson’s UK visit https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/matthewblades
Anyone wanting more information about the Altra Kielder Marathon events, should please visit www.kieldermarathon.com
