THE grieving mother of Kyrece Francis has thanked all his friends for their support since his tragic death, praising their positivity in trying to prevent further lives being lost on the river.

Simone Francis said despite the school holidays having started, friends of Kyrece have stuck together to help support the family since tragedy struck last week after he got into difficulty in the Thames at Marlow.

And she passed on her gratitude for the fundraising appeal to pay for lifesaving equipment near the spot where he died, which has smashed its target total within days.

She said: “I am just happy they are doing something positive to help keep his name alive. They have been really strong and coming round to the house, they have been a big help to me.

“They have all been sticking together and to raise that amount is a great achievement. If it’s able to save lives then that’s the main thing.”

Since Ms Francis passed on her thanks yesterday, the Kyrece Legacy fund set up by the 13-year-old’s friends has raised a further £2000 and now stands at over £6500.

And organisers hope a charity car wash planned for Saturday at Beaconsfield Fire Station will help boost the fund further and pay for more lifesaving equipment along the Thames path.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/yimby/KF22/