Fundraiser for family of boy fighting for life after hit-and-run crash

The family of a four-year-old left fighting for his life after he was critically injured in a hit-and-run in Bristol at the weekend have said what happened as ‘turned our world upside down and shook the family to the core’.

A fundraiser has been set up by the family of little Carlos, who has been left with life-changing injuries after he was hit by a car driven by James Doherty on Sunday in the Lawrence Weston area of the city.

Donations have been flooding in to support the family of Carlos, whose lives have been put on hold, and will be for weeks and months ahead, following the crash on Long Cross on Sunday afternoon.

The fundraiser has been set up by close family of Carlos, who said they would appreciate help to get to and from hospital, and for essentials as they have had to stop their lives and now spend their time at Carlos’ bedside. Already, £2,500 has been raised in less than 24 hours for the young family.

“This accident has turned our world upside down and has shook the family to the core,” they said. “As parents, we are juggling the emotional toll of supporting Carlos through his recovery while trying to keep life as stable as possible for our other children.

“The costs of travelling to the hospital daily, providing food for the family, and essentials, are mounting rapidly. With Christmas round the corner and everyone out of work because of this tragic event we are worried about our children not getting the Christmas they deserve. We are praying for Carlos and we are praying for everyone who this has affected,” they added.

“We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts to ask for your support during an incredibly challenging time. Our sweet four-year-old boy Carlos was recently involved in a devastating hit and run that has left him with life-changing injuries. He is currently in the hospital receiving critical care, and while we are doing everything we can to stay strong for him, the road ahead is long and uncertain,” they said.

The family pledged that donations to the appeal will be used for taxi fares, food for the family, presents for the children for Christmas and essentials like milk, nappies and wet wipes.

“Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping us get through this unimaginable time,” they added. “Your generosity will allow us to focus on what matters most: being there for Carlos and giving him the love and support he needs to heal. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any contribution you can make,” they added.

The crash happened just before 2pm and saw 18-year-old Doherty leave the road in his car and crash into Carlos and a woman, who has not been named. She suffered a leg injury and was later discharged from hospital, but the four-year-old sustained life-threatening injuries and has been in a critical condition in hospital ever since.

Doherty fled the scene, but was later arrested. He appeared before magistrates on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving - he’s been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 17. After the court hearing this week, David Paniccia Brown, a serious collision investigator with Avon and Somerset police, said: “Doherty’s driving was utterly reckless and has left a very young boy in hospital with incredibly serious injuries.

Read more: Child has 'life-threatening' injuries after hit and run crash in Bristol suburb

Read next: Man admits causing crash which left young boy fighting for his life

“His decision to drive in the manner he did put lives at risk and his decision to run away immediately after the collision in an attempt to avoid the consequences of his actions, rather than try and help, were cowardly,” he added.

“Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family who have been updated on this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers. I’d like to thank all the officers involved in ensuring we were able to quickly put a strong case before the court and ensure this conviction,” he said.

To find out more about the fundraiser and donate - visit here.