Jay Slater is expected to be repatriated back to the UK in the next two days, with his mum Debbie Duncan working with Spanish authorities to finalise ‘the last details.’ The body of the 19-year-old was discovered earlier this week, four weeks after he went missing after attending a music festival in Tenerife. A high-profile search was carried out for almost four weeks before the body was found on Monday and confirmed to be him .
The Sun report that the Lancashire teenager’s family are ‘very close’ to being allowed to bring him back to the UK. A source told the publication that Jay’s family ‘don’t really feel as if they can start the grieving process or the process of saying goodbye’ until they get back to their native. ‘Taking Jay’s body back will be the hardest journey of their lives,’ they added, ‘Their focus and aim is to give Jay the most fitting send-off possible and to celebrate and remember his life.
’ It comes only days after Ms Duncan made an appeal on their fundraising page to continue donating so they can give ‘the send-off he deserves.’ It has now reached over €80,000. The fundraiser was launched by Jay’s friend Lucy Law in the days following his disappearance with Ms Duncan added as a beneficiary.
It is understood the funds raised were used to support the search. On Thursday, Ms Duncan shared an update extending thanks to everyone for the kindness, support and condolences in the wake of the death of Jay. ‘We are overwhelmed with grief and are so grateful for your support,’ she wrote.
‘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.’ Ms Duncan also thanked LBT Global who have been supporting the family.
She said: ‘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.’ To date, the fundraiser has raised £71,305 (€84,559) across more than 5,700 donations.
.
