The family of Jay Slater has announced a new fundraiser in his memory, and revealed how the money raised will be used to help others.
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Over the summer, the disappearance of the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle sparked widespread concern from officials, loved ones, and the general public - as well as endless theories on social media.
While on vacation with friends in Tenerife as part of the NRG music festival, Jay disappeared after venturing to the village of Masca and spending the evening with two men he had met while visiting the Spanish island.
Tragically, after leaving their Airbnb on the morning of June 17, Jay attempted to walk back to his accommodation - a shared apartment more than a 10-hour walk away - through the unforgiving Rural de Teno Park.
Less than an hour after calling his friend that morning, Jay was reported missing - sparking an intense search for the teenager.
Sadly, Spanish authorities confirmed that they had found his body on July 15, with an autopsy later stating that the 19-year-old had suffered "trauma consistent with a fall in a rocky area".
As widely reported, donations from kind supporters have been flooding in on GoFundMe - with the money raised being used to not only help locate Jay, but also support his family while they were in Tenerife, and now - sadly - contribute to his funeral. As of this writing, more than £74,000 has been raised on GoFundMe.
Now, Jay’s family has announced a new fundraiser in his memory, with all donations being raised for LBT Global - a UK missing persons charity that has helped support the teenager’s family during this difficult time.
On the fundraising site Remembering Jay, a message reads: “Jay's family have asked for donations in memory of Jay to LBT Global, the charity that has helped, and continues to help, them through the tragic loss of Jay in Tenerife.
“All donations will go straight to supporting families in similar situations.”
Meanwhile, The Mirror reports that the family is requesting that any further donations for them are “flowers only”.
The family says that LBT Global will use funds raised to "tackle online trolling and misinformation spreading aimed at victims and families of missing people", which they say they faced “worryingly high levels throughout Jay’s case".
Additionally, as the family prepares for Jay’s funeral on August 10, anybody wishing to attend has been asked to wear blue.
Before his family honors Jay with a “celebration” of his life, they penned in a touching obituary: "After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed. At the young age of 5 Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph's too.
"He also loved spending time chilling out with his friends. Jay's love of music and dance started at a very young age. He loved attending music festivals and events across the country and also loved to socialise and meet new people. A loving son of Debbie and Warren, a cherished brother of Zak and brother in law of Jessica, a treasured grandson of Dawn, June and the late Dougie, a much loved nephew of Glen and Katie, a dear cousin of Maddie and Tillie and a loyal friend to many.
"Jay will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him. A celebration of life service will be held at 10.30am on Saturday 10th August 2024, at Accrington Cemetery Chapel prior to interment. Those attending are invited to wear something blue in his memory. Family flowers only please, but if anyone would like to bring a single rose to place with Jay, they are more than welcome (no bouquets)."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Jay’s family and loved ones at this time.
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