A GROUP of gutsy Stourbridge cyclists are hopeful their charity ride across Devon has raised more than £6,000 for a brave Stourbridge woman who nearly drowned when she tried to rescue a young boy in pounding surf at Woolacombe.

Big-hearted friends have launched a fund for 49-year-old Stourbridge mum-of-two Deb Drew who suffered devastating injuries after trying to rescue a nine-year-old boy who got into difficulties in the sea in north Devon while on a family holiday last summer.

And the first big fundraiser saw 13 members from Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club complete an arduous coast to coast cycle ride from Ilfracombe to Plymouth.

Event organiser and rider Richard Cattell said the two-day event proved a “tough ride for all involved” but he added: "Bar a couple of lost riders and a couple of mechanical issues we did it.

“We had a great time and raised a considerable amount of money for such a brave lady, who put her life in jeopardy to save someone else.”

After leaving Stourbridge at 6am on Friday May 29, the riders were initially delayed from setting off on the challenge due to torrential rain in north Devon.

But they eventually got underway and after following a 60-mile route comprising old railway lines, tunnels, viaducts, bridges and the Tarka Trail they arrived at Betty Cottles Inn in Okehampton.

The second leg of the journey, on Saturday May 30, took the team on a 50-mile route taking in Granite Way and Drake’s Trail and, to add to the challenge, cyclist and former RAF serviceman Mel Ellis threw in some off-road obstacle courses as they made their way to Admiral's Hard, Plymouth.

Deb’s friend Amanda Edwards, whose husband Jason was among the riders, said: "I showed Deb the pictures on social media when I went to visit her and it has certainly lifted her spirits.”

The cycling team also comprised Steve Simmonds, Jules Fellows, Aubrey Grosvenor, James Frost, Jason Sykes, Nick Goodwin, Phil Olding, Steve Thomas, Phil Diment and Nathan Darby - with Peter Jones providing logistical support.

Former pharmaceutical rep and popular tennis club member Deb, who was airlifted to hospital in Barnstaple after being pulled from the water unconscious, suffered a cardiac arrest after the selfless rescue attempt and was given little chance of survival.

But after months in a coma at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley her condition stabilised and she was transferred to Moseley Hall Hospital's brain injury rehabilitation unit, Birmingham, where she has been receiving physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neurological treatment since.

Her long term prognosis, however, remains unclear and she faces a long battle ahead.

Deb's mum Beryl Jones, aged 78, told the News last week: “She’s a strong lady and doesn’t let things beat her.”

And she thanked her daughter's friends for their “amazing” support since the accident on August 26.

The young boy Deb tried to save is believed to have suffered kidney damage but he survived his ordeal, according to the RNLI in north Devon.

However, Deb’s family say they would desperately like to make contact with the youngster’s family to find out how he is now and to let Deb know her efforts were not in vain.

Anyone wishing to boost the amount raised by the cyclists can make a donation to the Deb Drew Fund online at http://www.local-fundraising.com/