Family of alleged hit and run victim Preston Potter describe ‘agonising’ fight for life as he remains in a coma

The family of a keen junior rugby league player have described their son’s ‘agonising’ fight for life as he remains in a coma more than a week after he was struck by a car.

PARENTS of a keen junior rugby league player have described their son’s “agonising’’ fight for life as he remains in a coma more than a week after he was struck in an alleged hit and run.

Doctors had wanted to start waking Preston Potter, 16, from an induced coma but a medical setback delayed that as complications led to a “super dangerous situation’’, according to the teen’s dad, Gavin Potter.

Preston suffered critical head injuries when struck by a car in Bermuda St at Burleigh Waters while crossing the road with friends, just before 10pm last Thursday.

Preston Potter remains in an induced coma a week after he was hit by a car while crossing a road on the Gold Coast. Picture: Facebook.

Police have alleged the male driver did not stop to provide assistance.

Officers spoke to a 44-year-old man in the days following the incident. No charges had been laid as of last night, a spokeswoman said.

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Mr Potter told family and friends on social media his son had undergone a “very intricate” brain procedure on Wednesday after suffering a medical setback this week.

“We had an agonising day but an amazing win with the incredible team at the Gold Coast hospital ICU and specialty doctors and nurses temporarily correcting a very unique and super dangerous situation in his head,” Mr Potter wrote.

Preston Potter's family mark a small victory in his fight to recover from an alleged hit and run accident on the Gold Coast. Picture: Facebook.

“We are so happy that he has responded to this treatment so far.”

It is understood doctors had hoped to start waking Preston from the induced coma on Monday, but could not due to swelling on the brain.

On Tuesday, Mr Potter said the family held “grave concerns” for blood flow to Preston’s brain.

Mr Potter said it was a “waiting game” and he and wife Shona were “scared and anxious” for their son.

As Preston lay lifeless in a hospital bed at Gold Coast University Hospital on Saturday, his beloved under-16s junior rugby league team, the Parkwood Sharks, dedicated their weekend win to their teammate as they wore his name on armbands in a show of solidarity.

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Preston’s junior rugby league club the Parkwood Sharks wore armbands in his honour during their last game. Picture: Facebook.

“Preston and his family very much remain part of the Sharkies family, and we’re all banding together to support them through this extremely difficult time,” a spokesman for the club said.

The wider sporting community has also declared its support.

Sports Gold Coast urged the “close-knit” sporting community to donate to a Go Fund Me set up for Preston.

“We would like to extend our sincere hope, support and best wishes to young Preston Potter,” a statement read.

“Before this incident he was a perfectly healthy and happy 16-year-old and now needs the support of our generous sporting community to help his fight back from this tragic incident.”

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Family say it’s a “waiting game” to see if Preston’s condition in hospital improves. Picture: Facebook.

In a social media post Mr Potter revealed the family has been heartened by small signs of

improvement in Preston’s condition, with a single tear or a little cough bringing them hope.

“(It) made us all so happy to have known he is with us — so heartwarming and a small win,” he said.

The Go Fund Me page set up for Preston’s medical and recovery costs raised over $6000 in the first two days.

Friends left messages for the teen.

“Lotta love for you Preston my brother, … always gonna have your back. I know you’ll be strong through all this,” Logan Welburn said.

Sue-Ellen Hamilton said Preston was strong.

“You are courageous. You are determined. There is so much love for you in this world,” she said.

Another person wrote: “(You have) a smile like no other, missing you bro I know you’ll pull through this because your (sic) a soldier … rest up.”

To donate, www.gofundme.com/PrestonPotter