By ANEEKA SIMONIS
SINCE 8-year-old Deakin Garth was hit by a car in Pakenham on Tuesday 6 October, his dad has not left his hospital bedside.
Deakin, a new student at Pakenham Consolidated School, was struck by an oncoming car while riding his bike to school on Tuesday.
The Grade 3 student was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a serious condition with significant injuries to his neck, legs and pelvis.
The incident has stopped the community in its tracks, with many locals throwing their support behind the family as they make a start on the tough journey ahead.
Hundreds of dollars have been poured into Deakin’s recovery fund since the crash – a warm gesture not yet known by Deakin who remains in an induced coma.
Friend of the family Madison Cooper set up the Fund Me donation site after “people literally throwing money” at Deakin’s rehabilitation effort.
Ms Cooper said Friday 9 October was a big day for the 8-year-old as medical staff attempted to remove him from sedation during the day.
“They are going to try wake him up today. If all goes well and he manages to take a breath on his own, they will remove the tubes,” she said.
“Over the past 24 hours, Deakin has started to try fight the sedation. It’s a good sign. They have kept him in an induced coma to alleviate the swelling on his brain. They have removed a bit of skull to release the pressure.
“It’s a very, very big day. We are all extremely nervous … we won’t really know the full extent of his injuries until then.”
Deakin, who has five-year-old twin sisters, started at Pakenham Consolidated School around two weeks ago.
But it appears the bright, friendly boy has made his mark on school friends who ask their teachers every day about their friend.
“The school have been in contact daily to ask how he is going. The kids have asked if they can raise money to buy Deakin a new bike and helmet. It gives me goose bumps knowing how gorgeous these kids are,” Ms Cooper said.
“A new bike and helmet would mean the world to him … he will just be so amazed by all of this.”
Deakin’s father, Simon Coe, recently took to social media to thank the Pakenham and wider community for their concern and generosity during the emotional week.
“I just wanna say how overwhelmed I am by the donations and the strength in our community. Deakin had only just started at Pakenham Consolidated School and has already made so many friends … it’s unreal,” he said.
He was said to be “stunned” over the affection Deakin’s school mates had shown toward his son despite only being at the school for two weeks.
“All his friends and their parents are unbelievable. I thank every single one of you.”
To donate to Deakin’s recovery, visit https://www.gofundme.com/t85u5mdc
