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A devoted Toon fan killed on board doomed MH17 flight will be given the memorial he deserves.

A memorials company has donated a headstone to Liam Sweeney’s family which will soon be erected in Newcastle’s West Road Crematorium.

The permanent fixture, donated by Joseph Richmond & Son Memorials on the West Road, is expected to put up in next few months.

Liam’s dad Barry, 52, of Killingworth, said he was grateful to the company for the kind offering.

Barry, a full-time carer to wife Lesley, 53, said: “It was such a nice touch and very kind of Joe to offer the headstone free of charge.

“I have been astounded by the amount of support we, as a family, have received.

“At times it has been a real support knowing that so many people care and have taken time out of their lives for us. We are truly grateful to each and every one of them.”

Joe Richmond, of Richmond & Son Memorials, said he wanted to do something to help the 28-year-old’s family after hearing about their story.

Joe said: “We heard about what happened and how terrible it must have been for the family.

“Everyone has come together and chipped in to help the family and we just wanted to do our bit.”

Liam was travelling with superfan John Alder when they were killed on board the Malaysia Airways flight when it crashed in Ukraine in July.

The pair were travelling to watch Newcastle United play a pre-season friendly in New Zealand.

People of the North East came together to show their compassion for the fans’ families in their darkest hour.

Just last week Barry was a guest of honour at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light when he watched the Black Cats take on Tottenham.

Before the kick-off he walked to the centre circle, where he held up a Sunderland shirt with ‘Sweeney’ on the back.

Fundraiser

A lasting memorial to Liam Sweeney will be erected in a Newcastle social club.

Friends of the Toon fan will come together to raise cash for a plaque, which will be put up in Leazes End Club, on Leazes Park Road.

A charity night will be held at the club on October 17 to raise money for the plaque and for a charity of the Liam’s family’s choice.

Tickets are available at the club or by calling 07867473889.