A FUNDRAISING appeal set up to support the family of a teenage girl who is fighting for her life after she was hit by a car has topped £2,000 in a matter of days.

Dozens of donors, including one supporter who stumped up £200, have pledged their support to popular 17-year-old Alliyah Bell.

The teenager, from Monwick, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after Essex Police were called to a collision in Barrack Street, Colchester.

Officers received reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car at about 2.15am.

Megan Smith, Alliyah’s sister-in-law, said the teenager is in a coma and has suffered brain damage.

Her friends and family have rallied behind mum Jo and dad Kirk, who have put their lives on hold to stay by her side in hospital.

On the fundraising page, Megan said: “There are so many things to pay for and if I could raise even just a little bit so they don’t have to worry about these things it would mean the world.

“Seeing them in this situation is so distressing.

“They are the most selfless, caring and wonderful family I have ever met and have helped and welcomed all.”

Alliyah, a former Thomas, Lord Audley School student, was due to start a beauty course at college last Thursday.

Megan said: “Everyone who knows her loves Alliyah. She has a fun and crazy personality and it is such a shame this has happened to her.

“She and her family are the nicest people I have www.gazette-news.co.uk Tuesday September 7, 2021 Gazette 9 ever met and they do not deserve this.

“I am pregnant and due in three weeks and she was so excited to meet her new nephew, but she will miss it now.

“She is already like best friends with my daughter Laila.”

Megan originally set out to raise £1,000, but smashed through the target in just over a day.

The total raised has topped £2,000 in just six days.

Megan hopes to raise as much funding as possible to help the family in the tough months which lie ahead.

She said: “I really didn’t expect to raise as much so quickly so I am so grateful.”

A 34-year-old man from Colchester who was arrested following the collision has been released under investigation while police continue their inquiries.

The crash happened on the corner with Challenge Way and police are asking anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Donate at gofundme.com/f/for-beautiful-alliyah.