Yahoo News Jay Slater's family plan Lancashire fundraisers to keep search going all summer
The family of missing teenager Jay Slater have vowed to continue their search for him over the summer, despite official searches concluding almost a week ago.
Jay, 19, vanished on June 17, sparking an immediate response from Spanish authorities who initiated a two-week search operation aided by volunteers. His family has commended the efforts of both local and national police in Tenerife, but are determined to keep searching, with Brits flying out to the island to scour the rugged terrain where the apprentice bricklayer disappeared.
The family believes that British involvement is crucial to maintaining the search, with those participating on the island and back home in Oswaldtwistle being key to future efforts. Friends and family in Jay's hometown are reportedly eager to assist in the search.
READ MORE: Jay Slater could still be alive if he has access to two things, says missing person expert
The family is considering hosting a series of events in Jay's hometown to support the search effort in Tenerife after they were "blindsided" by the search conclusion, The Sun reports. A source close to the family told the publication that friends are "hoping to go further and try to raise money in any way they can".
They said: "Some of his pals are discussing holding events to get funds together to keep the search alive for him. There are a lot of people who are coming forward saying they'd like to be involved and his pals are also planning to speak to local businesses, like pubs, and shops to see if they can help support them in any way."
"It will be big boost for Jay's parents. They are determined to keep boots on the ground in Tenerife for as long as possible now that the police have officially ended their search."
Debbie Duncan, Jay's mother, has said she plans to use some of the nearly £50,000 in donations sent to a GoFundMe set up to bring her son home to aid people who have travelled to Tenerife to conduct independent searches. Speaking in an update posted to the page yesterday, she said the family is currently "looking after" Paul Arnott, the 29-year-old self-styled explorer who has documented his search on TikTok.
Speaking in the update, she said: "We will continue to use part of the funds to support the volunteers working hard in the mountains to find Jay. We are currently looking after Paul Arnett, putting together a package of any equipment and essentials he needs and going up to do a drop for him."
The mum added: "The remaining funds will continue to be used to support the rescue teams who are tirelessly searching for Jay as well as our own expenses as we remain in Tenerife looking for our boy."
