A BOOTCAMP held to raise money in memory of Kyrece Francis has been hailed as a success as friends and supporters of the cause – now standing at a whopping £13,500 - were put through their paces last week.

Personal trainer Josh Woods, whose clients include those affected by the tragedy, decided to use his expertise to contribute towards safety equipment along the Thames where the teenager died.

Around 40 arrived on Saturday to limber up for the challenge at Kyrece’s school Great Marlow, where Mr Woods got the group doing press ups, running drills and other gruelling challenges.

Mr Woods, who last week said he was moved to action by the terrible tragedy, added: “The bootcamp went great. We managed to raise £242 in just about an hour’s work so I would definitely consider it a success.

“I worked the guys hard but we had a lot of fun along the way!”

The money raised will be added to the Kyrece Memorial fund, which stands at over £13,500, dwarfing the £2000 target set by his friends when they established the fund last month.

As the fund’s JustGiving page ended last weekend, organisers posted to the fund’s dedicated Facebook page: "What an emotional rollercoaster ride the last 30 days have been. What started out at a £2K target has reached us almost £14K!

“The support has been phenomenal. It really has shown what a wonderful and loved young man Kyrece was and the kind of Legacy he has left behind.”

Funds are continuing to pour in, as collections and fundraising events across the community pool their monies for the appeal, which will soon become a registered charity and get to work installing life jackets, buoys and warning signs.