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ABTA stalwart Barber dies helping clients

MEMBERS of ABTA have paid tribute to former northwest region chairman Graham Barber who has died after a heart attack.


Barber, 55, who was proprietor of Plan-It Travel in Stockport, Greater Manchester, died in the early hours of July 3 while helping some customers who had encountered problems boarding a flight.


One teenager in the customers’ party was due to turn 16 while on holiday, and the airline refused to let her fly because she did not have her own passport.


Barber rearranged flights for the family and even offered to drive them to the airport. He collapsed while helping to load suitcases in the boot of his car.


An ABTA spokesman said: “It was typical of Graham, spending a lot of time and effort helping clients sort out problems.”


Barber had been involved in ABTA’s activities for the last 10 years, sitting on various committees. He became vice-chairman of the northwest region in 1992 and regional chairman from 1995-1998. ABTA northwest region secretary Stan Magowan said:”Graham was a great colleague and friend.He will be greatly missed.”

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