GoFundMe created for Benalla teen Caleb Ramage fighting for life after being hit by car on Bridge St West

A “fun loving” and “hard working” teenage panel beater is still fighting for his life and a man has been charged following an alleged hit and run in the state’s north.

Family and friends are praying for a Benalla teen who is fighting for life in hospital after he was a victim of an alleged hit-run collision that left him in a critical condition. Picture: Facebook

A Benalla teenager remains in a critical condition in hospital after he was hit by a car in the state’s northeast.

Caleb Puttyfoot, 16, was hit by a 4WD ute on Bridge St West in Benalla earlier this month and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition.

Police allege the driver involved, 23-year-old Benalla man Dylan Norman did not stop at the scene, drove off in the damaged vehicle and was later arrested during the week.

He was charged with failing to stop, failing to render assistance, attempted to pervert the course of justice and driving while disqualified.

Mr Norman faced the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court last week and was granted bail to January 16 next year, under certain conditions including living at his father’s house in Benalla, reporting to the Benalla police station every Friday, surrender any passports and not contacting witnesses for the prosecution.

Caleb’s older sister Jayde has started a fundraising page — which has raised almost $17,000 — to help the family find accommodation in Melbourne while the 16-year-old is in hospital.

“Thank you to everyone and their amazing messages they’ve sent, you’re all awesome xo,” Ms Ramage wrote.

Caleb’s mum Michelle Guppy thanked everyone for their donations and kind words.

Caleb Ramage, 16, was hit by a car in Benalla on August 4 when he was coming home from work. Picture: Facebook

“Caleb remains in an induced coma on life support. He's had two successful surgeries to repair his broken legs and pelvis,” Ms Guppy wrote in the fundraiser.

“He had a CT scan yesterday that showed damage to the left side of his brain caused by a possible stroke.

“We were told yesterday that he could have a moderate to severe disability, but they won‘t really know until they wake him from the coma.”

She said doctors hoped to find out what is going on with Caleb’s brain.

Caleb is a strong willed young man and is apparently as stubborn as his mother,” Ms Guppy said.

“He also has youth and he's very fit on his side.

“We are positive he will get through this, it might take a long time but if anyone can get through this Caleb can.”

Friends and family also expressed their thoughts on social media and their concerns for the teen.

“I just want Caleb and his family to be all right,” friend Emily Baker commented.

“My nephew Caleb is a fun loving full of life hard working goofball,” Ace Smith said in a Facebook post.

“He is a young man that has just landed an apprenticeship as a panel beater and spray painter who had his whole life ahead of him.

“A son to proud parents who are doing it really tough already.”

“My prayers and love sent to Caleb. This world is so cruel. You’re strong Caleb, keep fighting man,” Benalla local Cassidi Murray commented.

“Good kid used to be next door neighbours to them when I was little hopefully he’s all well,” Jayden Andrew Skretsek said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or the Benalla police station on [phone].