Donations pour in for Hays Travel Foundation in memory of John Hays as Sunderland continues to pay its respects

Well-respected businessman John, who founded Hays Travel in 1980, died after collapsing at the company’s head offices in Sunderland while ‘doing the job he loved’ on Friday, November 13.

A Go Fund Me page has now been set up for those wishing to donate to the foundation which has been deemed as one of the 71-year-old’s proudest achievements.

In less that 24 hours, more than £8,000 has been donated as Sunderland, the North East and the international travel industry comes to terms with the tragic loss.

The foundation was set up to help young people achieve and be the best that they can be in their health, sport, the arts and education.

A post on the online fundraising page reads: “We have been overwhelmed by the messages and condolences received for John Hays.

"There has been a number of requests to send flowers or send a donation to a charity.

"If anyone would like to make a donation in his memory, Irene would be grateful for a £5 donation (no more) to be made to the Hays Travel Foundation which was one of Johns proudest achievements.”

John Hays, who alongside wife Irene, built the business up from a single shop in Seaham to the UK's largest independent travel agent.

Last year, the couple were hailed the ‘Heroes of the High Street’ when they saved 2,000 jobs by buying up 555 Thomas Cook High Street branches after its parent group collapsed.

To donate click here.

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