Donations flood in after death of Hays Travel founder John
AN ONLINE fundraising page has been set up to raise money for the Hays Travel Foundation in memory of John Hays who died “doing the job he loved”.
Business “giant” John, who founded Hays Travel, lost his life after collapsing at the firm’s headquarters in Sunderland on Friday at the age of 71.
He founded the travel agency in his mum’s childrenswear shop in Seaham, County Durham, in 1980 and within two years had expanded into Sunderland.
Along with his wife, Irene, he built up Hays Travel to become the UK’S largest independent travel agent, driving sales from £812 per annum to £1.05bn in 2017/18.
A Gofundme page has now been set up inviting people to leave a donation to the Hays Travel Foundation in John’s memory.
Founded in 2015, the charity creates opportunities for youngsters to help them achieve their potential and is deemed one of John’s “proudest achievements”.
A post on the 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 John’s proudest achievements.”
Tributes have flooded in for the entrepreneur with business leaders, celebrities and footballers among those to honour the man who leaves behind an incredible legacy in the North East.
Among them, Niall Quinn, who was a member of the Drumaville consortium which bought Sunderland AFC back in 2006.
The former striker, who became chairman with Mr Hays acting as vice-chairman, said: “Players have teammates in the dressing room, and when I became chairman John was my teammate in the boardroom.
“He was there alongside me every day, for no other reason than because he loved the club.”
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/john-hays