A GoFundMe campaign to help find missing 19-year-old Jay Slater is set to be used to pay for a private search on Tenerife as police confirmed they were working on a 'new lead'.
The charity appeal - launched by Jay's friend Lucy Mae - has surpassed all expectations and now stands at nearly £50,000.
Jay disappeared in Tenerife two weeks ago, and despite extensive efforts by Spanish authorities, no significant leads have been found.
The funds raised will now be used to hire private investigators, in the wake of advice from former detective Mark Williams-Thomas.
Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last seen leaving a nightclub on June 23rd, intending to walk back to his holiday accommodation.
His disappearance has prompted an outpouring of support, with the GoFundMe campaign initially set at £20,000 but now standing at £48,000.
Jay's family said the overwhelming generosity of the public is helping them to stay hopeful, despite the length of time he has been missing in very harsh conditions in a remote part of the island.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support," said a family spokeswoman. "The funds raised will allow us to continue the search and hopefully bring Jay home."
Mark Williams-Thomas, known for his work on high-profile missing persons cases across the UK, has urged the family to use the funds to hire private investigators.
He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the search for Jay.
Williams-Thomas said: "Every second counts in cases like this."Private investigators can offer a fresh perspective and explore new avenues."
Authorities have disclosed a 'potential new lead' in Jay's case and while details remain limited, it has renewed hope among Jay’s family and supporters.
Spanish police continue to monitor the situation and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Despite the official search being called off on Sunday, Spanish authorities have stressed they will continue to monitor any new information and leads.
They have conducted detailed investigations, particularly focusing on two unknown men seen with Jay on the night he disappeared. However, these efforts have yet to yield meaningful results.
Jay Slater has been missing on Tenerife for nearly two weeks
Getty/PAThe community in Oswaldtwistle has swung behind Jay's family, organising vigils and spreading awareness through social media.
Local businesses have also joined the efforts by displaying missing person notices.
"We're not giving up. Jay is out there somewhere, and we need to bring him home," said a close family friend.
One of the key aspects of the community's efforts has been the relentless sharing of Jay’s story on social media platforms.
This digital campaign has helped raise awareness far beyond the local community, garnering international attention and support and helping to raise the soaring GoFundMe total.
Jay Slater's GoFundMe page has now raised £50,000 towards the Tenerife search for the missing teenager
Reuters/PAFriends and family have taken to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates, photos, and pleas for fresh information.
The Jay Slater mystery has not only captured the hearts of the local community but has also attracted extensive international media attention with news outlets across Spain as well as the US covering the story extensively.
The huge media coverage has played a crucial role in keeping Jay's story in the public eye.
Experts say sustained attention is critical in missing person cases, where public awareness can often lead to crucial breakthroughs.
Despite officially halting the search, Spanish authorities insist they remain committed to following up on any new information.
They have said that even the smallest detail could still be vital in locating Jay and have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report anything that might seem relevant.
After confirming the new lead, a spokesman for the Spanish police on Tenerife told GB News: "Every piece of information counts.
"We urge anyone who might have seen or heard something to come forward."
Jay's mum Debbie Duncan, 55, has explained that she has now withdrawn some cash from the GoFundMe appeal.
She said it would go toward supporting the 'tireless' mountain rescue teams, as well as covering the costs of food, accommodation and travel expenses for the 'loved ones' of the 'wonderful people' who have flown over to Tenerife amid the ongoing search for Jay.
Debbie added: "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."
She continued: "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."
