Corey W had one hell of a holiday story to share with his mates at South Grafton High School.

On the last day of the July school holidays, the 14-year-old heroically jumped 20 metres from a bridge into the Clarence River to save the life of an elderly woman just moments after finding what was believed to have been her suicide note.

The brave act, which Corey and his mum Stefani thought may warrant a small article and photo in the local paper, put the teenager and his family in the national media spotlight.

“It was pretty cool and fun having so much attention,” Corey said. “It was pretty exhausting though.”

The accolades – including a Community Service Award nomination for extreme bravery – have come thick and fast for the Year 9 student who on the day was walking to the skate park.

“I was walking over the bridge and I saw a jumper folded up with glasses,” Corey said. “I looked down and there was a piece of paper on it … the note said she couldn’t take it anymore and the struggle had become too much.

“I looked down into the water and she was lying face down … she moved her hand to her face so I threw off my shirt and shoes and dove in.”

Surfacing in the cold water, Corey swam to the woman who asked for help. Struggling to keep the woman afloat, Corey then swam 80 metres toward the river bank.

During the 30-minute ordeal he repeatedly slipped under the water’s surface. Eventually another boy, Michael B, who Corey had called out to for help before jumping in the river, made it down from the bridge.

The 16-year-old boy swam out to Corey to help support the woman but the trio were blocked from getting to the river bank by thick reeds. Police soon arrived to assist the boys and drag the woman from the river.

In the days after the rescue Premier Morris Iemma nominated both boys for Community Service Awards.

“These young boys have demonstrated true Australian spirit when they made the decision to put their own lives in danger to help another,” Mr Iemma said.

He said there was no better way to describe their actions than to use the words of Michael’s mum, Sandra: “Kids don’t do what Corey did today, I am proud of my young Michael, but Corey is just an amazing kid.”

Corey’s efforts have struck a chord with people throughout Australia with letters pouring into the mailboxes at South Grafton High School and Corey’s home.

South Grafton High principal Brian Heath said people were both “appreciative and reassured” by Corey’s selfless actions.

“I am very proud of him as a student for the courage he showed and the thought and foresight he showed in going about saving this lady,” Mr Heath said.

The school had received numerous anonymous letters and monetary gifts from people touched by his actions.

Corey’s proud mum said the anonymous letters and rewards had brought tears to her eyes. The money would be used to open a trust account for Corey.

“I would love to be able to get in touch with all of these people but some I am unable to,” she said.

Ms Warburton said the community response and media attention had been “overwhelming” for the family.

“I’m still trying to get my head around it all,” Ms Warburton said. “I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it’s all just a dream.

“All walks of life are writing from across the country just addressing the letters to Corey.

“They’re not even using an address, they just say ‘Grafton’s Hero’ and it finds its way to our house.”

For help: Lifeline 13 11 14