Dedicated: John Alder and Liam Sweeney were on their way to support Newcastle United in New Zealand
Tributes: Flowers and shirts have been left at St James' Park in remembrance of the Newcastle fans
Support: Sunderland fans have now raised more than £18,000 in memory of Mr Alder and Mr Sweeney
That figure had passed £18,000 on Sunday and the gesture has been applauded by Newcastle fans.
Respected
supporter website nufc.com wrote: ‘That is a genuinely heartening story
and those involved deserve enormous credit for this incredible
gesture.’
Sunderland fan Gary Ferguson created the fundraising page at gofundme.com,
and he wrote: ‘We may be Sunderland fans, who traditionally have deep
rivalry with Newcastle, but there are things far more important than any
football games.
‘The
incredibly sad news that has emerged this week about two Newcastle fans
who have passed has left us all shocked and deeply saddened.
‘Donating
here will help pay for a floral tribute to those fans and to unity
between the two clubs. Any extra money will be donated to a charity that
has yet to be decided.
‘Thank you for your time, effort and donations.
‘RIP to John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were both far too young.’
Following
news of the loss, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: 'Myself and all
the players are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news. We
all knew how passionately John and Liam supported the team and the club.
'They
were with us just earlier this week for our first pre-season friendly
against Oldham and their dedication to travel all the way around the
world to support us in New Zealand tells you all you need to know about
the passion they had for Newcastle United. Our hearts go out to their
families and friends.'
Meanwhile, Mr Alder's niece Karen Robbins, who lives in Australia, released a message on behalf of the family.
'We
would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and wishes and
incredibly generous gestures, particularly those who have been able to
share personal memories of John,' she said.
'We
are struggling to comprehend what has happened but we are touched and
moved by your kind words, acts and the knowledge that so many people saw
John for who he was, a kind, courteous man who was much loved as a son,
brother, uncle and fan.
'Newcastle United was his life and we are proud of his dedication to the team.
'Our thoughts are with Liam's family and the families of the other passengers at this terrible time.'
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