Grandmother of football star Sam Kerr breaks silence on horror crash

Sam Kerr’s grandmother has defied the odds to celebrate her 90th birthday, after suffering horrific injuries when she was struck by a car while getting off a bus.

The grandmother of football star Sam Kerr has spoken for the first time since a terrifying crash left her hospitalised for months, marking her 90th birthday while reflecting on her remarkable recovery.

Coral Kerr, a great-grandmother from Palmyra, Perth, was struck by a car in late December last year as she stepped off a bus just metres from her home.

The incident left her with multiple broken bones and a lengthy hospital stay, but the milestone birthday she just celebrated almost didn’t happen.

“I never thought I’d see this age and after that accident,” Ms Kerr told 9 News, who were invited to join her family’s celebrations over the weekend.

Sam Kerr’s grandmother has marked her 90th birthday with a smile and a story of survival, just months after being struck by a car near her Perth home. Picture:9News

The 90-year-old said she remembers nothing of the moment she was hit, which may have spared her the trauma of the impact.

She suffered a broken pelvis, a fractured shin, and an ankle injury that required a rod to be inserted in her leg.

The man accused of causing the crash, 63-year-old Mark John Britt, is facing a charge of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

In March, he caused a disturbance in Fremantle Magistrates Court while trying to secure legal representation.

Ms Kerr was struck by a car in late December last year as she stepped off a bus just metres from her home. Picture:9News

He told the court he didn’t want to “lose [his] house” and asked to be represented by high-profile Perth barrister John Hammond, though the lawyer wasn’t available.

His case was adjourned for six weeks.

Despite the trauma and recovery, Ms Kerr’s birthday was a moment of light for the Kerr family.

Ms Kerr said she is grateful for a “very fruitful, happy, and joyous life”. Picture:9News

Grandsons Daniel and Levi praised her strength and spirit during recovery, saying it was “nice to be with the family,” after all she had endured.

Levi noted the “massive achievement” of seeing her walk into the room under her own strength.

While Sam Kerr couldn’t attend in person, currently recovering from an ACL injury and now back in London after a recent visit to Australia with the Matildas, her grandmother still spoke fondly of their close bond.

Unable to attend her grandmother’s 90th birthday, Sam Kerr was fondly remembered by Ms Kerr, who described the two of them as being “very close”. Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“Yes, we’re very close,” Ms Kerr told 9 News.

After months in recovery and rehabilitation, Ms Kerr reflected on the life she’s lived.

“I’ve had a very fruitful and happy and joyous life … and I’m ever grateful for that.”