If I win it will be for Jay - Debbie Duncan on being nominated for People's Choice Award 2026
The mum of tragic teen Jay Slater who has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award 2026 says if she wins she will accept it in his memory.
The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle was found dead in a ravine on the Spanish island of Tenerife after a month-long search in June 2024.
Spanish police discovered his remains in a remote, steep ravine near the village of Masca, where his phone last pinged on 17 June.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,4,0&width=640&quality=65)
He had travelled to the Spanish island in June last year with his friends Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves to attend the NRG music festival in Playa de las Americas.
A coroner concluded his death was accidental, likely caused by a fall.
During the search for Jay, and particularly after his death, Internet trolls engaged in vile and hurtful behavior directed at his family and even the search teams.
They made baseless claims, spread misinformation, and even impersonated family members. Some claimed to know his location, saying he was in a hole or chained up, while others made false accusations about him being stabbed.
Jay’s mum Debbie Duncan, 56, said trolls made her life hell and has been campaigning for Jay's Law ever since to prevent the online trolling for other grieving families.
Her relentless campaigning and refusal to let the trolls win has resulted in her being nominated as a recipient for this year’s People’s Choice Awards in the Local Hero Awards.
Speaking of her nomination Debbie said she was “absolutely blown away with the support” and that every vote every shared means so much to her.
She added that if she did win it would be gratefully received in honour of her son.
The Hero Awards was created to honour the courage, kindness, and dedication of the everyday heroes who transform communities across the UK. Voting closes at midnight on Friday.
If you would like to vote for Debbie click here.