A DOREEN family is appealing for public assistance with both the information about their father’s hit and run incident and a call for financial support to assist.
Motorcyclist Nick Topia, 55, was left with serious injuries on January 1 following a hit and run in Deer Park.
Police have been told the driver of a silver SUV, possibly a Ford Territory, was travelling north on Station Road, between Ballarat Road and Tilburn Road, when they attempted an illegal U-turn and struck the rider about 10.50am.
Mr Topia, of Albanvale, sustained severe leg injuries after being dragged about 100 metres by the SUV and was transported to hospital where he underwent surgery.
The driver of the SUV failed to stop after the incident and was seen reversing and fleeing the scene northbound.
Police believe the vehicle may have had two female occupants at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online.
Mr Topia’s daughter Tiffany Topia, of Doreen, started a fundraising page to support her father financially as he recovers from his injuries.
Ms Topia is a key contributor to Whittlesea Wellbeing Network Facebook group, which helps connect isolated and vulnerable people with community support.
She said her father was placed in a medically-induced coma to help his body heal from the trauma of the crash.
“He is out of the coma, we have all spoken to him like nothing happened,” Tiffany wrote.
“My dad is a humble man, kind, gentle, giving and all-round good guy. Our family is struggling to come to terms with how someone could do this to our dad.
“Our reason for doing the fundraiser is because we know the road is going to be a long one for our dad, who being the dad and pappa he is, he can’t keep still. Unfortunately, at this time…the bills won’t stop.
“We are asking if anyone wants to donate, any bit helps, we appreciate all the well wishes and prayers for our much-loved dad and pappa.”
Anyone wanting to donate to support Mr Topia can visit bit.ly/3nPlU8d
