Newcastle United fan group raising money in memory of Christian Atsu

A Newcastle United fan group is raising money in memory of Christian Atsu who died in the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Talk of Tyneside will donate the funds to Arms Around the Child, a charity Atsu was an ambassador for.

The charity will use the money to complete the construction of a school in Ghana that Atsu started building and help the children he supported.

A spokesperson for Talk of Tyneside said: “Christian Atsu was a well-loved figure on Tyneside and this has been highlighted by the scale of tributes paid to him by Newcastle United Football club and its fans.

“Following his passing, we were hoping to find a way to give supporters a way to show appreciation for his service to the club, and raising money for a fantastic charity that he worked with feels like the perfect way to do so.”

The former Newcastle player and Ghanian national was confirmed to have tragically perished under the rubble of his home in Turkey on Saturday after being missing since the earthquake on Feburary 6.

Throughout his career, Atsu supported many communities in Ghana through charity work.

He previously said: “Whenever I go home, I am happy. You never forget the person you were before you left.

“I survived but I don’t forget.”

Ellie Milner, spokesperson for Arms Around the Child, said: “Christian touched the lives of so many with his charity work, we are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku- and support the children he loved so much.”

Over £350 has been raised so far and you can donate here.