John Hays: Last News

John Hays, the founder of Hays Travel, has died.The 71-year-old collapsed on Friday while working at its head office in Sunderland.John, who started up the travel firm in 1980, is survived by wife Irene Hays, who co-owns Hays Travel.The couple were praised back in October last year when they prevented thousands of former Thomas Cook staff losing their jobs.They purchased all 555 of the tour operator’s UK travel agencies after it went into liquidation.Hays Travel said in a statement: “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays, the founder and managing director of Hays Travel, died today while doing the job he loved.“John, who with his wife and co-owner Irene Hays bought the Thomas Cook retail estate a

Hays Travel, John Hays, has died after collapsing while at work, it has been announced.John, who ran the North East-based holiday firm alongside his wife Irene, lost his life today after collapsing at the firm's headquarters.After being founded in 1980, Hays Travel is now the largest independent travel agent in the UK.The company has released a statement confirming the tragic news and said John died "doing the job he loved".A Hays Travel spokesman said: "It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays, the founder and managing director of Hays Travel died today, while doing the job he loved."John, who with his wife and co-owner Irene Hays bought the Thomas Cook retail estate a year ago, was at work in the

John Hays, the founder and co-owner Hays Travel, has died after collapsing while at work, it has been announced.

taking on 2,330 former employees and hiring a further 1,500 to help fill its new stores, and for its headquarters. The family-run travel company bought the 178-year-old tour operator after it fell into liquidation in September.