Jay Slater GoFundMe latest after heartbroken mum shares plans for remaining cash (2024)

Jay Slater's GoFundMe page was initially set up in the hope of bringing the teenager home safe and sound. Now, as his loved ones prepare to say goodbye, the cash is being used for a tragic cause

When Jay Slater vanished the morning after a Tenerife music festival, frantic friends desperately hoped they'd find him safe and well, and even set up a GoFundMe page to aid the search.

But after a tragic end to their holiday that saw the British teen dead, the cash will now be used for a heartbreaking purpose. Lancashire-born Jay's mother Debbie Duncan, 55, initially explained that money raised would go toward supporting mountain rescue teams in their 'tireless search', as well as covering costs of food and accommodation during her family's stay on the Canary Island.

Some of the funds, which have now passed the £70,000 mark, would also be used to fly loved ones over so they could 'support each other during these dark times'. Everything changed, however, after the 19-year-old's body was discovered in a remote ravine, dashing any hopes of a reunion.

As Jay's family prepare to say their final goodbyes at Jay's funeral later this morning, the Mirror takes a look at what the fundraiser will be used for now...

Grieving mum Debbie, who has vowed to give her 'beautiful boy' the send-off he deserves, will be using some of the money for the ceremony, with the remainder of the funds going towards Jay's repatriation, plus costs incurred by family and friends who flew out to Tenerife to help with the desperate search.

Taking to the GoFundMe page on July 18, Debbie wrote: "We are overwhelmed with grief and are so grateful for your support. The wonderful team from The Netherlands, Signi Zoekhondon, have remained in Spain all week and have continued to support us since Jay was found. They are due to fly home in the coming days and we are so appreciative of their dedication and support.

"We would like to thank LBT Global for their support during this impossible time. We are working with agencies to arrange Jay's repatriation to the UK and the remaining funds, along with any future donations will be used to help with this if needed and to pay for Jay's funeral costs back home. We want to give our boy the send-off he deserves so please do continue to share and support our fundraiser however you can."

This comes as online trolls seek to take advantage of the kindness of others ahead of Jay's funeral, by posting 'live streams' requesting donations from unsuspecting supporters of the Slaters. On Monday, August 5, LBT Global, an organisation that helps those whose loved ones have died or gone missing overseas, warned people to be vigilant.

Charity chief executive Matthew Searle stated: “We are inundated with reports of these scams, and as fast as we can get the platforms to remove them, more appear. “To be completely clear – there is no live stream of Jay’s funeral, and anyone claiming to offer one is a scam. As much as being hurtful and deeply unrespectful [sic], this is taking vital donations away from a small charity.

“We ask anyone seeing one of these pages to report it to the platform. Please don’t follow them or send them money. It is so typical of the vile trolling this family has received for them to target something so special as a funeral.”

The family has requested family flowers only, adding that mourners are welcome to bring a single rose to place with Jay. They have asked that, instead of flowers, well-wishers show their support by donating to LBT Global via a specially built page here.

Jay's obituary, which was published on August 3, reads as follows: "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 Joseph'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."

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