It's with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Freda Oyston on Thursday 11th April 2024 aged 84.
Freda was well loved and known mainly for her efforts as Secretary of The Sunderland Disabled and Escorts Supporters Branch from the mid-1990s until the last few years due to her deteriorating health.
Freda alongside her beloved husband Eddie Oyston (who sadly passed away in January 2021) along with many other fellow volunteers enabled thousands of Disabled and able-bodied people access tickets, travel and parking for Sunderland AFC home and away fixtures for over 25 years. At times at their own financial expense.
Sometimes doing such a role endured criticism as she tried her best for people and sometimes she would upset people trying to protect disabled supporters when people were blocking their view at matches etc. We know she was no angel and gave as much as she got at times but all through trying to do the right thing.
Freda would arrange fundraising events for the branch like pie and pea suppers which were always well supported by current players, staff or managers at the time. Freda assisted Sir Bob Murray former Sunderland AFC owner and chairman with feedback regarding Disabled access/facilities etc upon building the Stadium of Light, Wembley Stadium and beyond.
She always fought for the good of the branch and supporters within it. Freda absolutely loved Sunderland AFC going as far back as watching the Sunderland team return from the victorious 1973 FA Cup win where she stood at Carrville with her family as the team coach passed.
Her passion for Sunderland was spurred on upon meeting Eddie in the early 1980's who was Sunderland to the core and they went to every home and away match for as long as I can remember until covid hit.
They used to run the Durham Supporters Branch bus for away matches during the 80s / early 90s for away matches prior to setting up the Disabled Branch. For home matches they assisted various Disabled Supporters in their own car. It will be The Sunderland Disabled and Escorts Supporters Branch that she will be best known for. Freda was a true Sunderland legend who will be sadly missed by many supporters, friends, former SAFC players / staff / managers and especially her dear family of which she was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Finally, we would like to arrange a round of applause at the home game vs Millwall on Saturday 20th April 2024 on the 3rd minute for Freda and Eddie as they were married in 2003 (unfortunately Eddie passed during Covid so no supporters). I think they should be remembered together as two true Sunderland supporting legends that will be missed by many!
(I'm her grandson)
