Jay Slater's mum issues statement on GoFundMe as search continues

James Holt & Katie Timms

24 June 2024 at 8:10 am·2-min read

Jay Slater is missing in Tenerife — -Credit: (Image: Supplied)

The mother of missing teenager Jay Slater has provided an update on the GoFundMe page, which has now exceeded £30k as the search for the missing teenager enters its second week.

The fundraising campaign was initiated by Jay's friend Lucy Law - the last person to have spoken with the Lancashire teen - and reached its goal just a few days after its creation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The hunt for Jay is now in its second week after his friends reporting him missing on the Spanish island last Monday (June 17). It's reported that the teenager wandered off alone into a mountainous region in the Rural de Teno Park, near the village of Masca, after leaving an Airbnb rental flat where he had been staying with two acquaintances from the NRG music festival.

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Emergency searches involving Civil Guard officers, firefighters, and mountain rescue teams have been ongoing in the vast area since his disappearance. Jay's family and friends now believe there may have been a 'possible sighting' of him in the village of Santiago del Teide - approximately 7km from Masca.

The GoFundMe set up by Lucy to 'get Jay Slater home' had received more than £32,000 in donations by Monday morning (June 24), but it has been the subject of much speculation online and in social media groups, with people questioning what the money would be used for.

Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, who has sworn to 'never give up' on her son, has been added as a beneficiary on the crowdfunding page. She chose to communicate publicly, assuring that no money had been withdrawn from the fundraiser and that so far, the trip to Tenerife has been financed entirely by friends and family.

The update relayed: "Hi everyone, this is Debbie, Jay's mother. Thank you all for your generosity and kindness during this difficult time.

"I wanted to confirm that this is the only GoFundMe fundraiser approved by our family. We have not yet withdrawn any funds and are currently covering the expenses, such as the trip to Tenerife and accommodation, ourselves. The funds will remain on hold with GoFundMe until we post a further update on this page.

"We are extremely worried and are doing everything we can to find Jay. Please continue to share our fundraiser far and wide. Your support means the world to us, and we are grateful for any help you can provide. Thank you again."

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