Jay Slater’s mother has announced that the family is collaborating with GoFundMe to access a portion of the £36,000 raised since the teen’s disappearance.
Debbie Duncan, through the “Get Jay Slater Home” page on the crowdfunding platform, stated that the funds would primarily support the mountain rescue teams diligently searching for Jay.
Additionally, the money will assist in covering accommodation and food expenses for the family while they remain in Tenerife to help in the search for the 19-year-old.
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Ms. Duncan, currently in Tenerife with Jay’s father and brother, mentioned that some of the funds would also be used to fly out other family members to offer mutual support during these challenging times. As of this morning, the fundraiser established to aid Jay Slater’s family had accumulated over £36,400.
In a recent update on the GoFundMe page, Ms. Duncan expressed the family’s struggle to comprehend the situation but maintained hope for Jay’s safe return.
She detailed that part of the funds would be used to extend their stay in Tenerife and facilitate other family members’ travel to the island for support.
She also extended gratitude to everyone who had sent messages of kindness and donations, emphasizing their significance to the family.
Since Jay’s disappearance, Ms. Duncan and his friends have been the subject of various conspiracy theories circulating on social media. In response, Jay’s employer, PH Build Group, urged people to stop sending hurtful emails and posting unfounded theories online. The construction company condemned these actions, highlighting the emotional toll on Jay’s family.
Jay Slater, an apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle near Blackburn in Lancashire, was on holiday with friends in southern Tenerife.
On June 16, he traveled to the northwestern mountain village of Masca with two individuals he met at the NRG music festival.
The next morning, Jay called a friend at 8:30 am, stating he was walking back to his holiday accommodation after missing a bus, a journey estimated to take 11 hours on foot. He mentioned being lost, needing water, and having only 1% phone battery remaining.
The last sighting of Jay was by Masca resident Ofelia Medina Hernandez on June 17. She advised him about an upcoming bus, but he chose to walk and was later seen walking briskly. The search for Jay continues as his family remains hopeful for his safe return.
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