The fundraising campaign was set up last month by Hays Travel marketing and homeworking director John Milburn.

To date, nearly 2,000 people have donated to the cause, raising £25,300.

Hays collapsed and died at work on Friday 13 November, aged 71.

Milburn said the foundation was one of Hays’s "proudest achievements".

It was set up to help young people achieve their potential in a wide variety of settings, from health and sport to arts and education.

Several major travel firms have contributed to the effort, including Holiday Extras, Holidaysplease, Celebrity Cruises, Traveltek, Dawson and Sanderson and Designer Travel.

Former Hays Independence Group member Loveholidays donated £500, with founder Jonny Marsh remarking: "John and the Hays team were there at the start of our journey, what a time it was."

NCL, meanwhile, contributed £450. UK managing director Eamonn Ferrin said: "On behalf of the whole Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises teams, we send send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of John Hays, but celebrate his life and achievements and fully support his charitable foundation. RIP John, you will be greatly missed."

A number of Hays Travel stores and regions have also made their own team donations.

To donate click here