Debbie Duncan, mother of Jay Slater, expressed profound gratitude to all the contributors on a Go Fund Me page for her family, after a staggering sum of over £72,000 was raised. She updated the fundraising page last week, announcing the enf of donations and detailed how the funds were used. Jay Slater, an apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, disappeared whilst on a festival holiday in Tenerife on June 17.

This led to an extensive search on the Spanish island that drew international media attention. On July 15, Jay, 19, was sadly found deceased near the village of Masca , near to the location he was last seen. An autopsy revealed that he suffered fatal head injuries, indicative of a fall.

On the Go Fund Me page, Debbie expressed her thanks for the support and contributions in the wake of her 'beautiful boy' Jay's passing. His friend Lucy started the fundraiser on June 20. Following the discovery of Jay's body, Debbie urged the community to donate towards funeral expenses and the return of his remains, reports the Manchester Evening News .

In her message Debbie stated: "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 mum expressed her gratitude: "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 i.