Sunderland fans raised more than £25,000 at the weekend in memory of the two Newcastle supporters killed in the MH17 plane crash in Ukraine.
A hastily-organised whipround on Sunderland supporters’ site Ready To Go, set up to raise £100 for a simple floral tribute, ended up pulling in more than £25,000 in online donations.
John Alder and Liam Sweeney were hardcore fans and here will be hundreds of Sunderland supporters heading for Portugal next week as Sunderland embark on their own pre-season tour.
Several Sunderland fans are set to arrive at St James' Park at 4pm today to show their respects.