The mother of a Marlow teenager who died while swimming in the River Thames tragically lost her own battle against cancer last week.

Simone Francis’ 13-year-old son Kyrece sadly died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the Thames at Marlow in July 2014.

Family friend Tracy Chamberlain confirmed on Wednesday that Simone passed away on the morning of Friday, June 8, after a brave battle with cancer.

Tributes poured in for Simone on social media, with friends saying they were heartbroken by her loss.

A charity set up in her son’s name – Kyrece’s Legacy – wrote in a statement on Friday: “Our beautiful angel fought so well but gained her wings today and we know Ky was there to greet her and show her the way.

“We will be lost without you Simmy but as we promised we will carry on, help and remember.

“Sleep tight our most beautiful, beautiful friend – we are broken-hearted and will miss you so much.”

The charity is calling for people to join in celebrating her life at Marlow’s All Saints Church next Wednesday (June 20) at 11am, followed by High Wycombe cemetery at 1pm and then at Adams Park from 3pm.

Writing on the charity’s Facebook page, Beverley Gibbs said: “Such sad news, a beautiful lady inside and out, now reunited with your darling Kyrece.

“My heart goes out to your family and friends, especially to your beautiful daughter Ameera. Sleep well.”

And Isabel Cunningham commented: “Utterly heartbroken. Such a strong and inspirational lady, mummy and partner.

“Rest in peace my beautiful friend, and I hope you are dancing through the stars with your Ky.”

Friends and family of popular Great Marlow School pupil Kyrece rallied to raise tens of thousands of pounds following his death, which paid for life-saving units to be installed along the stretch where he died.

Kyrece’s Legacy went from strength to strength and has installed dozens of water safety units along the Thames between Temple Lock, in Marlow, and Cookham Reach Sailing Club.

Rachel Bourke said on social media: “Simone was an inspiration to us parents and all our kids after the tragic loss of Kyrece.

“She made all those kids part of everything that went on and welcomed them all with a big hug and a strong big smile.

“This news is just so tragic and so unfair, my thoughts are with her family.

“Rest easy together Simone and Kyrece.”

Fiza Aftab described her as a “truly beautiful soul”, while Serena Knows said: “Such a strong inspirational woman, the impact you and Kyrece had on the world will never be forgotten. R.I.E.P [rest in eternal peace] true queen.”

Rachelle Phipps commented: “I’m trying to write something but I’m literally speechless.

“For years we’ve known each other, our kids grew together as did we and you were the nicest kindest strongest woman I knew.

“This news will touch and devastate so many people…more than you will probably know.

“I am truly proud to have had you as a friend and just to have known you. You both will forever be in our hearts.”