Hays Travel Foundation fundraiser in memory of John Hays tops £13,000
An online fundraiser has raised more than £13,000 for the Hays Travel Foundation in memory of founder John Hays.
The respected and much-loved businessman died aged 71 after collapsing at the company’s head offices in Sunderland while ‘doing the job he loved’ on Friday, November 13.
John, who alongside wife Irene, built the business up from a single shop in Seaham to the UK's largest independent travel agent.
The following day a Go Fund Me page was set up for those wishing to donate to the foundation which has been deemed as one of John’s proudest achievements.
So far more than £13,000 has been donated to the foundation which was set up to help young people achieve and be the best that they can be in their health, sport, the arts and education.
Sunderland, the North East and the international travel industry is grieving the tragic loss and flowers have been left outside the travel agent’s head offices in tribute to John.
So far more than 1,500 people have donated to the cause including travel companies from around the world.
A post on the Go Fund Me page says: “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."
To donate click here www.gofundme.com/f/john-hays