Jay Slater's mum Debbie Duncan has now withdrawn cash from the fundraiser set up for her son - thanking supporters for their 'kind messages, and good wishes'.
This comes as the search continues for the missing 19-year-old, who vanished during a mates' holiday in Tenerife, continues. At a press conference held yesterday, Detective Mark Williams-Thomas pleaded for the two men that Jay went back to an Airbnb with the night before he vanished to 'come forward with crucial information".
At the time of Debbie's withdrawal, the 'Get Jay Slater Home' GoFundMe page, which was set up by Jay's friend Lucy Mae Law, had raised more than £36,000, with more than 3,000 people pitching in amid enduring hopes that the apprentice bricklayer will be brought home safe and well.
However, the fundraising page fell victim to trolls who spread nasty theories about why it had been set up, forcing Jay's loved ones to call for calm.
Here, the Mirror looks at why exactly these funds were withdrawn, as well as the reasons why the fundraiser has attracted criticism...
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Why was the money withdrawn?
Debbie has now explained why she withdrew the cash (ITV News)Addressing wellwishers today (Thursday, June 27,) Debbie, 55, explained that the withdrawn cash would go toward supporting the 'tireless' mountain rescue teams, as well as covering the costs of food, accommodation and travel expenses for the 'loved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, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, wrote: "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."
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.
"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. Thank you again for all your donations and support, this means the world to us."
Why was there controversy over the fundraiser?
Some have previously questioned what the money would be used for (Facebook)
Jay's family have been subjected to cruel rumours (MEN)Debbie has had to deal with some criticism over the GoFundMe page, with some cruel internet users questioning what the money would be used for. The frantic mother even had to contend with being compared to the notorious Karen Matthews, who orchestrated the fake kidnapping of her young daughter Shannon, 16 years ago.
Expressing her dismay in a Facebook post, Debbie wrote: "I really am saddened by all your comments. You seem to be so bothered about this GoFundMe page.
"I really hope I am not taking my son home in a body bag. The funds are not released and won't be if not needed. I really cannot believe the British public are not supporting me in trying to find Jay. This may happen to any of you one day. Very let down by you all."
In a separate post shared on the GoFundMe page, Debbie, who flew out to Tenerife after her son was reported missing, confirmed that the fundraiser had been 'approved by our family'.
A GoFundMe spokesperson said: "We are in touch with Jay Slater's mother, Debbie, and working with her to keep everyone updated on how their donations will be used in the search. For now, the money is with GoFundMe as we work through the next steps."
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