Minutes silence held at Sunderland AFC match in memory of Dean Matthews and John Hays as fundraisers set up in their memories

A minute silence was held at the Stadium of Light before the kick off Sunderland AFC’s match against MK Dons in memory of photographer Dean Matthews and businessman John Hays.
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Although there were no supporters in the stadium, players, staff and all those in attendance fell silent in honour of two well-known fans who died this week.

Talented photographer Dean Matthews died on Thursday, November 12, after testing positive for Covid-19.

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A lifelong fan of the club, SAFC paid tribute to him and thanked him for his work photographing the Stadium of Light over the years.

A minutes silence was held at the Stadium of Light in memory of businessman John Hays and photographer Dean Matthews who both tragically died this weekA minutes silence was held at the Stadium of Light in memory of businessman John Hays and photographer Dean Matthews who both tragically died this week
A minutes silence was held at the Stadium of Light in memory of businessman John Hays and photographer Dean Matthews who both tragically died this week

Sunderland AFC, tweeted: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Matthews. A regular at the Stadium of Light and an exceptional photographer, Dean always captured our club and our city at its very best.”

On Friday Sunderland businessman and former vice-chairman of Sunderland AFC John Hays died while working at Hays Travel headquarters in Keel Square.

The 71-year-old, well-respected and much-loved businessman built Hays Travel, the company he co-owned with his wife Irene, into the UK’s largest independent travel agent.

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Sunderland AFC tweeted a tribute to John and said: “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of former Vice-Chairman John Hays. John was a champion of the North East and the City of Sunderland. Our thoughts are with his wife Irene, his family and his friends at this time. Rest in peace, John.”

A fundraiser has been set up to install a memorial bench in Sunderland to remember Dean Matthews.  Pictures by Dean Matthews.A fundraiser has been set up to install a memorial bench in Sunderland to remember Dean Matthews.  Pictures by Dean Matthews.
A fundraiser has been set up to install a memorial bench in Sunderland to remember Dean Matthews. Pictures by Dean Matthews.
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Read more: Thousands raised for memorial bench to remember photographer Dean Mat...

Fundraising appeals have now been set up in memory of both men.

More than £3,000 has been raised to fund a memorial bench in honour of Dean Matthews at the Cat and Dog steps, a location he took many stunning photographs from.

Hays Travel owner John Hays died while 'doing the job he loved' aged 71Hays Travel owner John Hays died while 'doing the job he loved' aged 71
Hays Travel owner John Hays died while 'doing the job he loved' aged 71

A fundraiser for the Hays Travel foundation has been set up in memory of John Hays. Click here for more details.

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Floral tributes have also been left at Hays Travel’s Keel Square office, with messages honouring John as ‘Mr Sunderland’.

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