Jay Slater's family launch charity fundraiser as 500 mourners turn out in the rain to remember tragic teen who died in Tenerife
As more than 500 mourners pay tribute to 'forever 19' Jay Slater, his devastated family have launched a charity fundraiser.
The apprentice bricklayer went missing in Tenerife on June 17 and so began an extensive month-long search of the Spanish island where he was attending a music festival with his mates.
His body was tragically found down a rocky ravine with traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height.
Hundreds of mourners have braved the drizzle at Accrington Crematorium Chapel in Lanchashire today to pay their respect to the teenager.
But instead of leaving flowers, Jay's loved ones have asked for well-wishers to donate to LBT Global - the overseas crisis support charity who supported search efforts and helped his family through their heartache.
Jay's older brother Zak (left) wipes away a tear as he holds his mother's arm
The 19-year-old was the subject of a huge international manhunt when he vanished in Tenerife on June 17 after attending a music festival with his mates
Just beneath a picture of the late teenager on the fundraiser, a short statement reads: 'Jay's family have asked for donations in memory of Jay to LBT Global, the charity that has helped, and continues to help, them through the tragic loss of Jay in Tenerife.
'All donations will go straight to supporting families in similar situations.'
The website accepts both one-time and monthly donations to the registered charity.
Established in 2008, LBT Global provides families with 'information, liaison, advice and support throughout a missing person's case overseas'.
Straight after Jay's disappearance, a separate GoFundMe was launched by Jay's best friend Lucy Mae Law on behalf of his mother Debbie Duncan.
The fundraiser raised more than £72,000 and was used to pay for specialist search teams, before the family said the money would be put towards giving Jay a 'good send off'.
Today Jay's body was brought to the chapel by horse-drawn carriage in a blue coffin, with 'JAY' embossed on the side.
His mother Debbie, 55, and father Warren Slater, 58, both wiped away tears as they led a procession of mourners.
A large outdoor screen was erected for the swathes of well-wishers who could not fit in the chapel.
The farewell was a sea of blue, as this was Jay's favourite colour. People were seen carrying blue flowers, wearing blue wristbands and ribbons, even blue smoke bombs were let off outside.
Jay's body was brought to Accrington Crematorium Chapel by horse-drawn carriage
Jay has been laid to rest in a bright blue coffin, with his name embossed on the side
Mother Debbie Duncan, 55, and father Warren Slater, 58, both wiped away tears as they led a procession of mourners through the drizzle at Accrington Crematorium Chapel today
Jay's older brother Zak attends the funeral
The order of service for Jay's funeral featured a picture of the teenager smiling with the words 'Forever 19'
A large outdoor screen was put up for the many people who came to say goodbye
Videos of the young teenager playing football, which he started from the age of six, and of him dancing at festivals brought laughter to those inside the chapel.
In an eulogy, his friend James Curry said he was 'more than a mate' and 'more like a brother'.
Mr Curry, who was due to start a business with Jay, added: 'Jay was one of a kind. He lit up any room with that goofy smile of his.'
His close friend said he 'cherished' his time with him as poems were also read out during the service.
Another said: 'Keep partying up there'.
Perhaps fittingly for Jay, a known raver, his coffin was carried outside for burial to the sound of a drum-and-bass track.
The family said: 'After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed.
'At the young age of five Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph's too.
'He also loved spending time chilling out with his friends.
'Jay's love of music and dance started at a very young age. He loved attending music festivals and events across the country and also loved to socialise and meet new people.'
Well-wishers arrive wearing blue to honour Jay's memory
One car set off a blue flare as they approached the church
Jay's work colleague wear blue t-shirts which say 'in memory of Jay Slater' on the back
One man had brought a blue rose with his for the service
People put blue ribbons up all around the church in memory of the teenager
Jay Slater's last known movements in Tenerife before he was found one month after going missing
Jay attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation.
He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled 'not relevant' to the case.
The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered.
