A TIGHT knit team of tenacious fundraisers set up in memory of a baby girl has boosted their fundraising total.

Team Nelle is led by Joe Francis whose daughter Nelle died in January 2015.

The friends have now raised about £30,000 to fight the condition which claimed her life including £1,400 from a charity disco night.

The group often have run, swam and cycled hundreds of miles in memory of the little girl, who died aged four months of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

They hope to also raise awareness of the little known condition, which is the leading killer of children under three years in the UK.

Nelle was born two weeks early fit and healthy but at two months old was diagnosed with the disorder which causes muscles to waste away.

After hosting a successful night at the Waterfront in Dovercourt, in January, the group decided to choose the venue again, holding an old school 90s and Garage night on Saturday.

Team member Darren Deex, of Dovercourt, said he was “overwhelmed” with the response of the community, with nearly 200 people turning out for the party.

“It was a really good event, The Waterfront have been really good to us and we raised an amazing amount.

“We’ve worked hard for this, through fundraising events, cycling and even golf.”

The team completed the half iron man challenge in Staffordshire in June, comprising a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run.

Darren said Nelle had not only inspired lasting friendships within the group, but also driven him to get active himself.

“To be fair I was the outsider of the group in many ways, but as soon as I got the opportunity I bit their arm off to join,” he added.

“It has been a life-changing thing for me as well and we’ve all become close friends.

“I was nearly 17 stone four years ago, I have lost over three stone since then.

“Nelle has been inspirational to me and she’s been inspirational to many people.

“I have had people come up to me and say they’ve followed our story and have been inspired to get active themselves.”

All of the money raised has gone to Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK, which supports families affected by the condition.