Jay Slater’s mother, Debbie Duncan, has shared a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe page for the family after an incredible £72,000 was raised, in a final heartbreaking update.
Debbie Duncan posted her words of gratitude on the fundraising platform last week as it ceased accepting donations. She explained how the funds had been used and expressed her profound thanks for the assistance and contributions received in the wake of losing her ‘beautiful boy’.
Jay, who worked as an apprentice bricklayer and hailed from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, mysteriously disappeared while on a festival holiday in Tenerife on June 17. His disappearance triggered a vast and desperate search operation on the Spanish island, attracting international media attention.
On July 15, the community was devastated to learn that the 19-year-old had been found dead near the village of Masca, close to where he was last seen. A post-mortem examination revealed that Jay suffered traumatic head injuries, indicating a high fall as the cause of his death.
His friend Lucy initiated the crowdfunding campaign to aid Jay’s family on June 20. Following the tragic discovery of his body, Jay’s mother Debbie invited the public to contribute towards the funeral expenses and the costs of bringing his body home, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In a message shared at the time, she said: “Hello everyone, thank you for all of your kindness, support and condolences in light of the tragic news that Jay’s body has been found. We are overwhelmed with grief and are so grateful for your support.”
The mother expressed: “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.”
Having raised a remarkable total of £72,821 last week, fresh contributions were halted. Expressing her gratitude, Debbie acknowledged the ‘beautiful people’ who have generously donated to the GoFundMe.
Debbie disclosed the allocation of the collected money which aided the family’s stay in Tenerife throughout the search efforts, contributed to a search team from the Netherlands, and will accommodate Jay’s final rites. Her comprehensive update on the fundraising page included her thanks, as she said: “We would like to thank all you beautiful people who supported us throughout this heartbreaking time.”
She spoke about how Jay’s story had resonated far and wide, adding: “Jay really did touch the hearts of the nation and it truly showed us how much love you all shared with us. With your support we were able to stay in Tenerife until we got our beautiful boy back to the UK.”
The funds also supported the Dutch Signi search team that was crucial in the days leading to finding Jay. Debbie added: “We were able to fund the Signi search team from the Netherlands who supported us throughout the days when Jay was found. Jay truly deserved the send off we were able to give him and we thank you all for that.
“We have been overwhelmed with messages of support from all over the globe and will be eternally grateful to all of you. Our journey of trauma and grief will continue for ever and we will never recover.
“We lost our beautiful boy in extremely tragic circumstances while the world watched. We do not and will never understand how Jay’s story reached every corner of the globe.
“Our journey is far from over but the burdens eased with your support. We would also like to thank the person who looked after Jay’s fundraiser page whom we have been in constant contact with, especially whilst in Tenerife, the support and advice you gave will not be forgotten.”
The family also announced that donations would cease, stating: “Donations will be turned off with this final message. Jay’s family and friends are trying to come to terms and process this tragic loss and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This comment from a beautiful donor sticks in our minds so I will share….”
They shared a poignant message from a donor, which resonated with them, as it highlighted that “love triumphs” over hatred.
Jay had vanished after attending the NRG music festival in Tenerife with friends. His last known location was the Rural de Teno Park, an 11-hour walk from his accommodation.
Authorities suggested he may have fallen in the treacherous terrain where his body was eventually found.
