A BRAVE Stourbridge mum continues to defy the odds two years after she nearly drowned trying to rescue a young boy in heavy surf in north Devon.

Deb Drew, aged 51, was left fighting for her life after she selflessly attempted to save a nine-year-old boy who got into difficulties at Woolacombe Beach while on holiday in August 2014.

She was pulled from the surf and resuscitated and was airlifted to North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple before being transferred to Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital but she remained in a coma for around five months.

The gutsy pharmaceutical firm rep managed to survive against the odds and after a spell in Moseley Hall Hospital's brain injury rehabilitation unit, Birmingham, she is now being cared for at Hunters Moor neurological rehabilitation centre in Hall Green.

She's undergone numerous operations, survived sepsis and still needs extensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neurological treatment on a regular basis.

Her mum Beryl Jones said: "She's really gone through the mill."

But she told the News "We're very lucky we've still got her. She's been amazing. She misses home and doing the things she did but we've taken her out and friends have taken her to the theatre and we've taken her to the shops and out to eat.

"We're trying to get an electric wheelchair and hopefully she'll go back home if they can get her to be more independent."

Deb, who had been bodyboarding while holidaying with her two sons when tragedy struck, recently attended a charity dance show put on by Lye dance teacher Karen Yates at Sedgley's Dormston Centre where she gave a moving speech, thanking all those who have helped her and raised funds.

Mrs Jones, aged 79, said: "About 18 friends came to support her and she was given a standing ovation. We were all very touched."

Karen, who is donating around £1,000 to the Deb Drew Fund from the proceeds of her show Summer Cinderella, said: "I'm in awe of her, she's a real inspiration."

Deb and her family never found out what happened to the little boy she tried to save that fateful August 26.

The youngster, who like Deb was pulled from the water unconscious, was thought to have suffered kidney damage but reportedly survived his ordeal - according to the RNLI in north Devon.

Mrs Jones said: "We've never had any contact - it would be nice to know what happened."

Meanwhile - following a series of coastal tragedies last weekend in Scotland, Cornwall, Essex, Dorset and Jersey - the RNLI has issued a warning to those planning a Bank Holiday beach break this weekend.

Go to www.respectthewater.com for tips on staying safe at the seaside.