LADY Elsie Robson has thanked fans who have raised money in memory of Newcastle United fans Liam Sweeney and John Alder.

Sunderland supporter Gary Ferguson began a collection to raise £100 for floral tributes, but by Monday evening the total was more than £25,000.

Lady Elsie said she was touched that the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was one of two charities chosen by John and Liam’s families to receive money donated.

The other charity is Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Lady Elsie said: “Like everyone, I was shocked and upset 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.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said the forthcoming season will be dedicated to the two fans.

Speaking from New Zealand, where the Magpies are playing two friendlies, he said: "Owners and managers come and go, as do players, but the fans are always there, and these two guys in particular, to go to the lengths that they did to get out here, has brought home just how important supporters are to us.

"Sometimes when you lose lives in that manner, it puts into context what we do.

"This season we want to give their families something to remember them by, by having a successful season."

Pardew also thanked the Sunderland fans who put their usual rivalry to one side.

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