Appeal for Neerim family

A GoFundMe appeal has raised more than $21,000 for a young Neerim family impacted by a serious car crash last week.

The fundraiser was established last week for Jarrod Akers, his partner Molly and six-week-old Theo after Jarrod was seriously injured in a Drouin collision.

Baw Baw Highway Patrol officers are appealing for witnesses after a collision in Drouin this morning.

Emergency services were called to Main Neerim Rd, near Myers Rd after a Toyota Hilux utility, towing a trailer with a car on it, left the roadway and crashed into a tree at about 5.30am on Saturday, October 10.

Jarrod, 29 was thrown from the utility and suffered life-threatening-injuries. He was airlifted to hospital in a stable condition.

A family member posted an update on Jarrod's condition on a Neerim community Facebook page last week, saying he remained in intensive care and an induced coma.

Jarrod had undergone surgery on his arm but doctors were concerned about a bleed on the brain, the post stated.

He also sustained broken ribs and a punctured lung.

The family member acknowledged the local community who had been "extremely supportive" as well as the people who found Jarrod, first responders and ICU staff at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The GoFundMe page, set up by Mandy McIvor, set a goal of $30,000 and yesterday had reached $21,380 yesterday.

Mandy's post said Mr Akers was badly beaten up and had a long road to recovery over many months.

"Jarrod and his partner Molly welcomed their beautiful son Theo just six weeks ago. Jarrod works six days a week at a scrap metal business and takes on extra jobs to support and provide for his family.
"Molly works as an education support worker at a specialist school in Warragul and is currently on maternity leave on a reduced income, caring for Theo.
"With Jarrod unable to work, the family now faces enormous financial and emotional pressure at what should be one of the happiest times of their lives.
"If you know Jarrod, you know he is always the first to put his hand up to help others. He is community-driven, generous and selfless. Now it's our turn to give back to him."
The funds will assist the young family by replacing Jarrod' wage, everyday living costs, hospital costs and medical and recovery costs.
Jarrod is a member of the Neerim Rodeo Committee. With the help of Jindi Pig Butchers, the committee will be running a weekly fundraiser every Friday from 5pm to 7pm at the Neerim South Hotel. All proceeds will go directly to Jarrod, Molly and Theo.
Baw Baw Highway Patrol police are appealing for witnesses to the collisions. Anyone with dashcam who were driving on Main Neerim Rd at the time or anyone who witnessed the collision are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au