£26,000 Raised In Newcastle Memorabilia Auction
An auction of Newcastle United memorabilia donated by the family of John Alder has raised £26,000.
An auction of Newcastle United memorabilia donated by the family of John Alder has raised £26,000.
Match day programmes, tickets and books went under the hammer, for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
John Alder from Low Fell died when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, alongside Liam Sweeney.
The pair had been on their way to New Zealand to watch Newcastle play.
John had collected the memorabilia as well as going to almost every game home and away over 40 years.
The two top lots were secured by someone who lives in Newcastle.
Thousands of match programmes, tickets and books went under the hammer, dating from 1920s to the present day.
Joyce Robbins, John’s sister, says: “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.
“I’m very touched that people have got behind this auction and stunned by all the help we’ve received.”
Lady Elsie says: “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.”
Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United, says: “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.
“The generosity of John’s family in donating so many important items is incredibly touching and will give great support to a cause which is close to everyone connected with the club.”
Key lots included match memorabilia from NUFC fixtures including:
1924 Newcastle United v Aston Villa FA Cup Final £3,200
John Alder’s match scarf £200 - purchased by his family
1970 Pecsi Dozsa v Newcastle United Fairs Cup tie £1,800
Final Lot (number 224) Oldham v Newcastle United match programme £240 - purchased by his family. This match programme from Newcastle United’s pre-season friendly at Oldham Athletic on 15th July 2014 was the final game John attended.