The father of Kyrece Marshall, a 13-year-old who tragically died in a drowning accident a decade ago in Marlow, has described his son as a ‘beautiful and well-mannered boy’.

Jason Marshall spoke to the Free Press as he, his family and closest friends, held a charity football match in honour of his child at the end of last month.

Hundreds of people arrived at Wades Park in Princes Risborough, where those in attendance enjoyed Caribbean meals from numerous food stalls, had their faces painted, whilst the children took part in a football tournament.

Kyrece died at aged 13 on July 22, 2014 - 22 days before his 14th birthdayKyrece died at aged 13 on July 22, 2014 - 22 days before his 14th birthday (Image: NA)

Youngsters from clubs in Risborough, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Stoke Mandeville and Flackwell Heath all took part, with Jason, describing the event as a ‘good day’.

The 46-year-old, who works as a plumber but also has a Saunderton-based West Indian cuisine business called Duss, said: “In all, there were around nine or 10 football teams which took part.

Many children were in attendance Many children were in attendance (Image: NA)

“It was the under-nines and even though we had a tournament, there were no winners or losers.

The event was held on June 23, 2024 in Princes RisboroughThe event was held on June 23, 2024 in Princes Risborough (Image: NA)

“It was all about the taking part, and all the teams donated to the cause.

“There were loads of people and it was a good day.”

The event, which took place on Sunday, June 23, raised an incredible £2,400.

Many people enjoyed the Caribbean food that was on show Many people enjoyed the Caribbean food that was on show (Image: NA)

The money will be donated to Kyrece’s Legacy, a charity named after the late 13-year-old to promote water safety in Buckinghamshire.

Who is Kyrece Marshall and what happened 10 years ago?

Kyrece Marshall (also known as Kyrece Francis or Kyrece Francis-Marshall in previous reports), was a year nine student who attended Great Marlow School.

On July 22, 2014, which was the first day of that year’s summer holiday, the teen went out with 10 friends for a swim along the Marlow stretch of the River Thames as temperatures reached close to 25°C.

However, things took a drastic turn when Kyrece ‘got into difficulty’ when attempting to swim to an island.

Two of his friends tried in vain to bring him back to the shore but were unable to do so.

He was discovered three hours later roughly 22 metres away from where he was last seen by a search and rescue team.

He sadly died just 22 days before his 14th birthday.

Since his passing, thousands of pounds have been raised to install water safety equipment along Marlow’s stretch of the river.

When asked about his son, Jason, said: “I loved his smile, his grin, his laugh and his cheekiness.

“He was cheeky in a good way, not in a naughty way, as he reminded me of myself when I was a lot younger and he was very athletic.

“He was a beautiful, well-mannered and incredibly polite boy.

“That’s one of the things I try and install in all my children is to say please and thank you, and I believe he did all of that.

“Everyone would tell me he was well-mannered and his smile and cheekiness are some of the things I miss.

“He was amazing.”