AN inspirational Stourbridge mum has finally returned home - four years after she nearly drowned trying to rescue a young boy in heavy surf in north Devon.

Deb Drew’s life changed forever after she selflessly tried to save a nine-year-old youngster who got into difficulty in the waves at Woolacombe Beach while she was on holiday in August 2014.

She was pulled from the surf and resuscitated but spent the next five months in a coma and she has never been able to find out what happened to the little boy she tried to save.

Against the odds she survived but suffered devastating brain injuries that have left her needing 24-hour care.

For the last two-and-a-half years she has been looked after at Hunters Moor neurological rehabilitation centre in Hall Green – but finally she has now been granted her wish to return to her Oldswinford home.

Deb, who turned 53 last month, had hoped to make it home in time to celebrate her birthday - however an operation needed on her hand and wrist set her back.

But she has now finally settled back in with her two teenaged sons Nat, aged, 18, and Harry, 16.

She told the News: “It’s lovely to be back home with my boys – and mum and dad can just pop in as they’re just round the corner.”

Nat, who is getting set to head off to university in the autumn, and Harry said it was good to have their mum back home – with Nat adding: “said: “It’s good that we can see each other whenever we want to.”

Deb’s dad Bill, aged 84, said: “It’s working out really well. We’d been travelling to Hunters Moor for two-and-a-half years, three to four times a week.”

The return home has only been made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of dedicated friends who have collectively raised thousands of pounds to buy mobility equipment such as a state-of-the-art specially-designed wheelchair as Deb has been left unable to use her limbs since the tragedy.

A lift, hydraulic bed, wet room and ramps have also been installed at the family home, and the flooring refitted, to enable the former pharmaceutical rep to move back in.

Mum Beryl, aged 81, said: “It’s taken us about nine months to get everything done.”

She told how friends, particularly pals from Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, have rallied to not only fundraise for Deb but also to visit her regularly and she added: “Personal friends have been amazing. “They’ve got a rota going and they come every week, they’ve never let us down.”

She believes Deb’s recovery could be boosted further in the future with the help of electronic aids and therapies so another fundraising adventure is in the pipeline.

Previously gutsy guys from the tennis club and Stourbridge Rugby Football Club took part in gruelling charity events for Deb - including a coast to coast cycling challenge and last year they staged an ambitious Bangers and Cash event which combined a road trip in clapped out cars, a hike up Mount Snowdon and a swim across Lake Bala in Wales plus a 60-mile cycle ride to Liverpool.

That event alone, with help from Pedmore Sporting Club, brought in around £35,000.

Determined Deb, who has undergone numerous operations, survived sepsis and still needs further physiotherapy, said: “I wouldn’t be as far forward as I am now if it hadn’t been for everyone pulling together for me.”

Such is her strength of character that she hopes to write a book about her life and what she’s been through. She is also keen to become a motivational speaker but for now she’s happy to have made it home and has already ventured out to Mary Stevens Park.