THE programme collection of one of the two avid Newcastle United fans killed on Flight MH17 will be auctioned for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

John Alder, 63, of Deckham, Gateshead, did not miss a match in more than 40 years. He and fellow fan Liam Sweeney died in July on their way to a Newcastle friendly in New Zealand when their aircraft was apparently shot down by pro-Russian revels in Ukraine.

The foundation was launched by Sir Bobby, the former Newcastle and England manager who died of cancer, to raise money for research into the disease.

The foundation said today (Monday, October 27) that Mr Alder’s sister, Joyce Robbins, had “very generously decided to donate his collection to benefit the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

A spokeswoman added: “With the help of Newcastle United and Anderson and Garland Auctioneers (both have kindly offered services free of charge) John’s memorabilia will be auctioned in the New Year in aid of the charity.”

She added: “It is an extremely generous donation from Joyce and we are very mindful of how much the collection meant to John.

“It is a very thoughtful way to benefit others from John’s passion, his passion for Newcastle United and football.”

Mr Alder’s family are expected to hold a private funeral for him in the next few days.

A collection in memory of the two fans has raised £33,618.

It was started by Sunderland fan Gary Ferguson immediately after the tragedy - initially to raise funds for a floral wreath - and was divided between Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation at the families' request.