SAFC fans' boost for tragic Oliver's charity fund

A fundraiser for Wycombe Wanderers fan Oliver Darlington, who has died from sepsis at just 13, has been boosted by Sunderland supporters.

Wycombe Wanderers fan Oliver Darlington spent four days in intensive care battling sepsis after contracting a heavy cold, before passing away on January 3.

Sunderland supporters were asked to join in with a minute’s applause when their team played Wycombe at the Stadium of Light on January 11.

The moving minute’s applause was observed by the near-30,000 crowd after 13 minutes of the game.

SAFC fans during the minute's applause for 13 year-old Oliver Darlington at the Sunderland v Wycombe game.

A JustGiving page was set up by a friend of Oliver’s family to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust; the organisation which aims to fight and prevent the condition and support those affected by sepsis.

Before the match the total stood at just over £6,000. The latest total is £7,700 and rising. A chunk of that total has come from Sunderland fans.

One contributor, John Russell, said: “How emotional when the whole stadium stood up at 13 minutes to applaud. Sad times. RIP Oliver.”

An anonymous giver said simply: “RIP Oliver, from a Sunderland fan.”

Sunderland beat Wycombe Wanderers 4-0. But the game will also be remembered for the fans' tribute to Oliver Darlington.

The reception for Oliver was appreciated by Wycombe Wanderers on the club’s website who described the move as an act of ‘real class’.

Their match report described: “A moment of real class from the Black Cats fans who observed a moving minute’s applause for young Wanderers fan Oliver Darlington.”

To contribute, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oliverdarlington