Jay Slater’s mum’s search replace as questions raised over GoFundMe ‘withdrawal’
The mum of missing British teenager Jay Slater has issued an update about the search – after questions were raised when she admitted to trying to withdraw funds from a GoFundMe account.
The 19-year-old from Lancashire was reported missing in Tenerife more than a week ago (June 17) after he called his friend Lucy, telling her he was lost in a rural area of the island with only 1% battery left on his phone.
His last known location was half a mile north of Masca village. Despite ongoing efforts by emergency workers, including the Civil Guard, mountain rescue team and fire crews, the challenging terrain of the Rural de Teno park is proving difficult to search.
READ MORE: Specialist dogs ‘can’t find’ missing Jay Slater as Guardia Civil give ‘theories’ update
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(Image: Facebook)
Yesterday, it was revealed that mum Debbie was working with GoFundMe to withdraw cash raised after much-talked-about pal Lucy Mae Law set up a fundraiser, that raised more than £30k in just a few days – and it now stands at a whopping £36,295 from more than 3k donations.
She wrote, on the fundraising page: “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.
“We are currently working with GoFundMe to withdraw part of the funds, which are being safely held. I wanted to share that these funds will be used to support the mountain rescue teams who are tirelessly searching for Jay.
(Image: ITV)
“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.”
However, she provided a further update when speaking to the Manchester Evening News after questions started being asked about her comments relating to the search and funds.
She said: “I have every faith in them down on the ground and the amazing searches they are carrying out along with more amazing guys up there.
“As a family we are in a living nightmare, We have no further updates other than that Jay is still missing. We are just ignoring the social media side of things. Just please pray for Jay.”
The search continues.
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