A UNIQUE collection of football memorabilia belonging to a victim of the Malaysia Airlines tragedy was auctioned yesterday, raising £26,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Bidders from across the UK and as far afield as Singapore, Dubai and Vancouver vied for the lots which fell under the hammer at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

The collection belonged to Newcastle United supporter John Alder, who was one of 298 people whose lives were tragically cut short when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July last year.

Mr Alder of Low Fell, Gateshead, died with fellow supporter Liam Sweeney on a flight to see Newcastle United play in a pre-season tournament in New Zealand. He had missed just one Newcastle United game in 40 years.

An avid collector of football memorabilia, his home was full of boxes of carefully stored match programmes dating from the 1920s to the present day.

His family donated to the collection help the cancer charity founded by the former Magpies manager before his death from the disease.

Speaking yesterday Joyce Robbins, John’s sister, said: “We’ve got mixed emotions today really.


“This collection was so precious to John. I don’t think even he would know what we should do with it. It was his passion.

“When we first went to the house after he died we got a shock.

“We knew he was collecting but it seemed to have spread all over the house. We were a bit overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with it all. My daughter suggested we donate it to charity and the rest of the family.

She added: “I’m very touched that people have got behind this auction and stunned by all the help we’ve received.”

Lady Elsie said yesterday: “We’re very proud that John’s family donated his marvellous collection to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“It was a hugely generous and thoughtful gesture and the money raised will go on to help other people through the charity.

“I know today was bitter sweet for John’s family. We’re very grateful to them and to everyone who has contributed to making this auction such a success.”

Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley said: “We are honoured to have held the auction of John’s incredible Newcastle United collection here at St James’ Park, where he came to support generations of players.”

Key lots included match memorabilia from NUFC fixtures including the 1924 Newcastle United v Aston Villa FA Cup, which realised £3,200 and the 1970 Pecsi Dozsa v Newcastle United Fairs Cup tie which went for £1,800.

Mr Alder's one and only match scarf was purchased by his family for £200. The family also bought for £240 a Oldham v Newcastle United match programme, from pre-season friendly at Oldham Athletic on July 15 2014 - the final game Mr Alder attended.

Fred Wyrley-Birch, auctioneer at Anderson and Garland says: “It’s been a privilege to manage this extremely poignant auction for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and to have been able to see John’s amazing NUFC collection up close. It’s truly incredible en masse."

Anderson and Garland and Newcastle United offered their services free of charge.