Tributes pour in in memory of Hays Travel founder John Hays
Video report by Julie Harrison
Landmarks in Sunderland were lit in tribute to leading city businessman John Hays ahead of his funeral, which takes place today.
Mr Hays died suddenly last week at the age of 71, after collapsing at the Hays Travel HQ in Sunderland.
John founded the largest independent travel agent Hays Travel and the Hays Travel Foundation alongside his wife Irene, which supports young people to achieve their potential.
Tributes have been paid to the businessman, who won praise across the country after Hays Travel stepped in bought 555 high street shops from the collapsed airline Thomas Cook.
An online book of condolences has been opened.
John’s family released a statement to say:
“We would like to thank everyone for their kindness to the family and to our employees all over the UK.
"We are overwhelmed by the thousands of wonderful tributes, offers of support and messages full of love that we have had. They have truly helped us all through these last few days.
“We also want to thank the thousands of people who donated no more than a fiver to John’s pride and joy - the Hays Travel Foundation which helps young people to be the best they can be. And Sunderland City Council who arranged to light up the city’s bridges and monuments."
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 30 people were allowed to attend the celebration of John’s life in Sunderland, and a video was shared with 7,500 Hays Travel staff afterwards. We know there were many more people who would have liked to have been there and we are really sorry they couldn’t be.
There were tributes from close friends and family, with John’s favourite pieces of music, which included “Smile” suggested by the staff as it reflects the company motto, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, an anthem of John and his brother Malcolm’s beloved Sunderland AFC, and personal favourites “Wonderwall” and “A Whiter Shade of Pale”.
Jeff Brown, John’s friend and tennis partner, said: “John was a special guy, who took as much pleasure from helping others succeed as he did from his own, amazing achievements.”
Ray Spencer, also John’s good friend and Director of the Customs House, South Shields, said: “John was a good man who did good things for many people. He was as proud of his region as it was of him.”
The company's familiar blue and orange colours shone in remembrance across Sunderland city centre.
Lit landmarks illuminate at dusk on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November, until dawn the following morning. They include: The Northern Spire bridge, Fulwell Mill, Seaburn Lighthouse, Hylton Castle, Beacon of Light and Keel Square.
His daughter Helen welcomed the tribute, saying it was "incredible"
Awarded the Freedom of the City of Sunderland in 2016, Sunderland City Council Leader Graeme Miller paid tribute to Mr Hays: "It was a shock to so many people to hear of John's death. It's fitting that we look to a visible tribute and with a book of condolences there is the opportunity to mark his passing in words."
"Very, very sad to hear of John’s death and so many people are upset about this. John and his company are household names across the North East and the Hays brand is well respected across the country, and across the travel industry. "He built up a major high street presence, a national and international brand from a room in his mother’s shop and this took dedication, drive and determination. "He was always very loyal to Sunderland and the North East as the company kept its roots here, its HQ did not move to the City of London, it remained in our city centre, and hundreds of Hays employees are based here."
In June 2020, Hays Travel announced plans to take on seven hundred apprentices, as well as experienced travel agents nationwide.
Owners John and Irene Hays said at the time, there is ''light at the end of the tunnel'' after the pandemic forced them to close 650 stores around the UK.