John Hays of Hays Travel has sadly died.

[JoS]

Originally Posted by stanleycamel

Thank you Mr Morrow - when appropriate of course I will. A glance at social media shows how much John meant to the travel industry.

Yesterday a fantastic photographer and great supporter of SAFC Dean Matthews passed away due to Covid and now their former Vice Chairman John - sad times.

See more...

I saw the post about Dean Matthews as well. Such a fantastic photographer. So sad. He was only young too. Was just looking at his 2021 calendar on FB the other day. May he RIP.

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by Princesses 3

SC. As a Sunderland supporter of 50+ years I couldn’t agree more about supporting your home team and for that matter your home City and then region. I think John showed us how to do that with good grace - then went one better and spread it to supporting the whole country. Some of the comments I’ve read since he died have been truly wonderful and I’m sure will eventually bring comfort and even more pride to his family

See more...

Princesses 3 - that phrase "with good grace" made me cry.

John was a thoroughly decent man with a great business brain but never forgot his roots. Even if he did have a dodgy choice in football clubs

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by JoS

I saw the post about Dean Matthews as well. Such a fantastic photographer. So sad. He was only young too. Was just looking at his 2021 calendar on FB the other day. May he RIP.

See more...

Thank you JoS - I really didn't know what emoji to click on Dibb as there isn't a hug/cuddle as far as I can tell. Dean's photos were fantastic - especially of the Aurora on a Mothers Day.

[formosagirl]

Terribly sad news

[JudyC]

How sad, he did so much for the travel industry and obviously took good care of his employees. He will be missed for sure

[DisneyCupcake]

SAFC held a minutes silence before the game at the Stadium of Light for Dean Matthews and John Hays - both well known at the club.

Very sad news for both families.

[stanleycamel]

Lovely tribute tonight around Sunderland where some local landmarks were lit up in blue and orange, Hays Travels colours. The places involved were the Northern Spire, Penshaw Monument, Fulwell Mill, Seaburn Lighthouse, Hylton Castle, Beacon of Light and Keel Square outside the company's HQ, at Gilbridge House.

They will be lit again tomorrow to mark his funeral.

[DisneyCupcake]

This week the funerals of John Hays and Dean Matthews took place in Sunderland a couple of days apart. The people of Sunderland and beyond did them both proud by coming on to the streets to observe and respect their last journeys.

After John's sad passing many in the travel industry wanted to send flowers or donate to charity - the fundraising page set up asked for no more than a £5 donation which would go to the Hays Travel Foundation. The Foundation works with organisations that support people, who for one reason or another, need a bit of help to achieve their potential - so far over £25000 has been raised. In these difficult times it reflects how well thought of John was by his fellow colleagues and associates.

I expected news coverage of John Hays but was amazed to see on last nights (Friday) ITV national news a small segment dedicated to Dean Matthews.

RIP John and Dean.