THE best mate of PC Matthew Blades took his place in the Great North Run after the hero cop died in a tragic A66 crash.
Daragh Burke, 37, bravely donned the officer’s vest for the half marathon after promising to complete the 13-mile course on his behalf.
PC Blades, right, with best pal Daragh Burke, was raising money for Parkinson’s UK when he was killed in a horror crash on the A66 Credit: Facebook / Daragh Burke
Cop Matthew Blades died in the early hours of August 22 this year Credit: Cleveland Police
PC Blades, also 37, signed up to run the race and was raising money for Parkinson’s UK when he died in the horror smash.
But organisers allowed Daragh to take his place at the last minute to fulfil the officer’s charity bid.
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Childhood pal Daragh told how the married dad-of-two set himself a challenge at the start of the year to dedicate it to running and raising money.
He said: “Sadly, as most of you are aware, Matty passed away before he got the chance to make it to the start line.
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PC Matthew Blades, a keen runner, was due to take part in the Great North Run to raise money for Parkinson’s UK Credit: Facebook
The funeral for PC Blades was held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Credit: PA
“So, with two weeks training under my belt, I’ll be taking his place and running the Great North Run for him.
“I know I could never replace Matty on that start line, but I’m incredibly proud to be able to carry on something that meant so much to him.
“I suspect there’ll be a few difficult moments out there, but I also know exactly what Matty would be saying – probably something completely inappropriate while taking the piss out of my running.
“This one’s for you, mate. I’ll get you over that finish line.”
He urged spectators to give him a shout and “just think of why I’m doing it” – adding: “Not for me, for him.
“He was just the happiest person you could ever meet, always smiling, always up for a laugh and just made time for everyone.
“He was just someone that was always there and I never expected to not be there.”
Married dad-of-two PC Blades and his Iraq war veteran colleague, PC Tom Clough, 38, died after they were hit head-on by a VW Passat travelling on the wrong side of the road.
The five in the other car – Theo Rae and Cole Worthy, both 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak, both 23 – also died in the crash on August 22.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham also took part in the marathon to raise money for a homelessness charity.
Mr Burnham, wearing a Number 10 bib, became the first PM to run the race and finished in just under two hours.
He said: “I loved it. It’s just a brilliant occasion.
“Today, particularly, so many people out there, such positivity.
“It’s just a day that reminds you how good this country is when it’s together like this.
“This part of the world – it doesn’t half shine on a day like this.”
The Red Arrows earlier flew over the start and finish line of the half marathon.
Former footballers and managers Chris Kamara and Peter Reid were also among those taking part.
Presenters Ben Shepherd, Helen Skelton, Sophie Rayworth and Adele Roberts were also running along with fitness coach Joe Wicks.
