Jay Slater's mom shares GoFundMe update - reveals what money raised is being used for

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By stefan armitage

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As the search for Jay Slater continues well into its second week, the general public continue to do what they can to support the missing teenager's family.

Screenshot2024-06-19at10.53.21 (1).jpegThe search for Jay Slater has entered its second week. Credit: Facebook

The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer - from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire - had been vacationing with friends on the Spanish island of Tenerife while visiting the NRG music festival.

However, on June 16, Jay opted to stay partying with two men he had met at the in Playa de las Americas, a popular resort area known for its nightlife and tourist activities.

After the rave, Jay reportedly traveled approximately 30 kilometers northwest to the rural village of Masca. This village is situated in the Rural de Teno Park, known for its rugged terrain and scenic views.

The next morning, on June 17, Jay left the men's Airbnb to start his journey back to his shared accommodation with friend Lucy Mae Law. However, shortly after 8:00AM, he called Lucy Mae to inform her that his phone was critically low on battery, he was lost and thirsty, and that he was going to attempt to walk back to their apartment.

READ MORE: The Six Biggest Unanswered Questions About Jay Slater's Disappearance

This journey would have taken Jay around 10 hours, as he opted not to wait for a bus.

Jay was reported missing less than an hour later by Lucy Mae. Since then, the main focus of rescuers has been on the mountainous Rural de Teno Park area.

Sadly, Jay has still not been found.



In an attempt to support Jay's family and rescue effort, thousands of donations have been make to a GoFundMe that was created by Lucy Mae.

As of this writing, the total raised stands at more than £36,000.

In a new update, Jay's mom - Debbie Duncan - has revealed that some of the money raised will now be withdrawn, and has shared how the money will be used.

"Hi everyone, This is Debbie again," the concerned mom wrote. "First, I would like to thank everyone for your support, kind messages, and good wishes.

"It’s difficult to wrap our heads around what is happening right now, but we are not losing hope that we will find Jay and return home together."

Screenshot 2024-06-27 at 10.09.46.jpgThe GoFundMe has surpassed its target. Credit: GoFundMe

"We are currently working with GoFundMe to withdraw part of the funds, which are being safely held," Debbie continued. "I wanted to share that these funds will be used to support the mountain rescue teams who are tirelessly searching for Jay.

"Additionally, since our stay in Tenerife needs to be extended, we will also use the funds to cover accommodation and food expenses.

"I'm surrounded by wonderful people who are by my side, but far from their loved ones, so we'll also be using part of these funds to fly them to Tenerife so we can support each other during these dark times."

The mom signed off the update by saying: "Thank you again for all your donations and support, this means the world to us."

Screenshot2024-06-22at09.49.57.jpegJay Slater's final Snapchat, taken outside of the Masca Airbnb. Credit: Snapchat

The search for Jay Slater has seen two key sightings reported.

The first was shared by Jay's family, and showed CCTV footage capturing a man resembling Jay walking through the village of Santiago del Teide - approximately 7 kilometers from Masca.

Screenshot 2024-06-26 at 10.26.07.jpgCCTV footage shows a person resembling Jay Slater 10 hours after his disappearance. Credit: Family Handout

The footage came about after Jay's family revealed that somebody had "come forward" claiming they saw somebody who resembled Jay at around 6:00PM on June 17 - roughly 10 hours after the teen was reported missing.

In a statement to the MailOnline, concerned mom Debbie said: "Someone has come forward to say they saw someone who they thought was Jay walking back down the road sat on a bench.

“He was with two men looking a bit worse for wear, and they were by a church, this guy has come forward and told the police about it and they are looking into it. We don’t know if it was Jay for sure, but it’s a start."

Another "sighting" was spoken of by local Mayor Emilio Jose Navarro Castanedo.

Mr. Navarro Castanedo had previously claimed that locals had apparently seen somebody who resembled Jay watching Euros 2024 soccer games by the coast.

In an interview with the MailOnline, the mayor has since clarified his comments, saying: "There has been a lot of fake news and misunderstanding of what I said.

"To be clear, I did not say I saw him watching football, locals have told me that they have heard from others that they saw someone looking like the boy in a bar at Los Gigantes further along the coast.

"I have no idea if it was him, but holidaymakers of his age all dress the same and I have no idea in which bars he was seen, I don't know if the police have been there they are not telling me about their investigation.

"I know that local police have spoken to these people who said they saw him cheering in a bar watching football. I don't know when he was supposed to have been seen but it was supposedly certainly in the days after he disappeared but I have to underline this is unconfirmed information and only what I have been told."

Featured image credit: Instagram