JOHN ALDER AND LIAM SWEENEY

Newcastle United fans Liam Sweeney and John Alder were tragically killed on flight MH17, en route to watch their team play in a pre-season tour of New Zealand.

On hearing about the disaster and loss of the two Newcastle United supporters, Sunderland fan Gary Ferguson (from South Shields) began a collection to raise £100 for floral tributes to the pair.

Incredibly, at the time of writing, the total raised is over £25,000 (2pm Monday 21st July) with generous donations from fans of Sunderland, Newcastle United and other clubs.

After talking to John and Liam’s families, the additional money will be given to two charities – the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Commenting on behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Lady Elsie says: “Like everyone, I was shocked and upset buy ativan in usa when I heard about flight MH17 and the awful loss of life.

“I can’t begin to understand what John and Liam’s family and friends are going through. It’s so hard to comprehend something as terrible as this.

“You often see the best of people in the worst of times and that’s certainly true of the Sunderland fans who organised this collection in tribute to John and Liam. They, and everyone who has donated to it, are a credit to football and to the North East.

“It’s a very thoughtful way to pay tribute to two men who obviously loved the game so much.”

To make a donation to this tribute fund, or view messages of support, please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/brx6wk.