Thornaby boy raises £600 for two slain police officers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

A 12-year-old from Thornaby has raised £600 through sponsored walks in memory of two Cleveland Police officers killed on duty.

George Pollard, a 12-year-old from Thornaby known for his enthusiasm for policing and his police-themed YouTube channel, has raised £600 through two sponsored walks in memory of PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. The officers died in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August, when their marked armed response vehicle was hit by a VW Passat travelling the wrong way down the A66. Five occupants in the car also died at the scene.

George completed his first walk on 4 October, travelling from Thornaby Neighbourhood Policing Office to Stockton. His second walk took place on 10 October, from Middlesbrough Police Station to the Matrix office in Wynyard. He was accompanied by his mother Claire and his uncle, with different police officers joining him for stretches of each route.

Claire Pollard said she was proud of her son and thanked the officers and Cleveland Fire Brigade for their support. George said he thought about the two officers' bravery throughout the walks. Cleveland Police thanked the 12-year-old for his fundraising efforts and show of support.

How it is being reported

• Thornaby boy, 12, raises £600 in memory of Cleveland Police officers killed in A66 tragedyCleveland Police has said a big thank you to the 12-year-old for his fundraising efforts and strong show of supportTeessideLive · 25 Oct, 14:33
• North East boy raises £600 for two Cleveland Police officers killed in A66 crashA 12-year-old boy from Thornaby has raised £600 in memory of two Cleveland Police officers who died while serving their community.The Northern Echo · 25 Oct, 14:08

In this story: George Pollard · PC Matthew Blades · PC Tom Clough · Cleveland Police · Thornaby · A66

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