THE mother of a Radcliffe man, who was savagely beaten and left for dead, says it is "a miracle" he survived.

Jason Gould almost lost an eye and his tongue was split in two when he was hit over the head with a machete, beaten by a gang of robbers and thrown into the River Irwell to die.

His mother, Stella, has been by the 29-year-old's bedside in Fairfield General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit since the attack. She said: "He has only just been moved onto a ward but he is under constant observation as his brain is badly swollen. However, it would appear he is over the worst.

"His injuries are horrific and it is a miracle he survived this brutal attack."

Eighteen months ago, Jason was hailed a hero when he saved seven-year-old Lucy Bland from drowning in Red Bank Lodge, Radcliffe, and then calmly went and sat an exam in health and safety just minutes later.

The girl's mother, Tracey Connell (35), visited Jason in hospital after reading about the attack.

She said: "Once I heard about Jason's injuries I had to see him. He saved my daughter's life and it was the least I could do. I was shocked by his injuries and he is in a lot of pain. He is such a good man, I hope those responsible are caught and severely punished."

During their short conversation, Jason asked about Lucy, now aged nine, who is keen to visit her hero.

Mr Gould, of Albion Street, Radcliffe, has been interviewed by detectives about the attack but he is suffering from memory lapses and has been unable to offer a full explanation of what happened. It was initially feared he may suffer long term brain damage.

He told his aunt Denise Gould how he was making his way home from a friend's house at 6am on Sunday (Feb 10) when he was approached by a gang in Milltown Street.

Jason said he was struck on the head by a machete, violently punched and kicked, robbed and then thrown into the River Irwell.

Mrs Gould said: "He was thrown into the river to die. Fortunately, the water may have brought him round and Jason managed to crawl out. He has been beaten to a pulp."

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who saw the attack or knows the offenders. Contact them on 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.