The family of a newborn born prematurely following a high-speed crash has issued a desperate plea.
First-time parents Casey King, 25, and her partner Ryan were on their way home from a night of board games on the Gold Coast on July 25 when their car was struck on the M1 at Bilinga.
A heavily pregnant Ms King was sitting in the backseat when a Mitsubishi Lancer driven by an 18-year-old P-plater collided with their vehicle from behind.
Police allege the driver was street racing with another P-plater when both vehicles lost control and hit the side rail.
The P-platers were reportedly travelling at speeds of up to 180km/h, according to witnesses.
The couple’s car was struck with such force that their vehicle was completely written off.
Ms King, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was trapped in the vehicle for nearly an hour as emergency crews frantically worked to free her from the wreckage.
She was rushed to hospital suffering a broken bone in her back, where she was forced to undergo an emergency C-section.
Henry was born prematurely with serious brain injuries. He is pictured with his parents, Casey and Ryan
Emergency crews spent nearly an hour removing Ms King from the wreckage
Baby Henry was born unresponsive after he suffered a serious brain injury.
Two weeks on, he remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The couple had installed Henry’s car seat just hours before the crash.
Ms King’s sister, Alivia Nosti has reminded motorists to take care on the roads and how a single decision can change innocent lives in an instant.
‘We want to send an important message about the dangers on our roads,’ Ms Nosti told Daily Mail on Friday night.
‘You might think it will never happen to you, but it only takes one reckless decision to change the lives of innocent people forever, just as it has changed ours.’
Ms Nosti has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the young family.
‘Our worlds have changed in the most unimaginable way,’ she said.
Henry remains in critical but stable condition
Ms King was 38 weeks pregnant at the time of the crash
‘Casey suffered a broken bone in her back from the crash. Thankfully, it isn’t causing her significant pain, but she is bruised, battered, and still recovering.
‘Ryan also sustained minor injuries. While both of them are physically healing, the emotional toll is immense.’
The young parents, who live more than 90 minutes from the hospital, have put their lives on hold to keep a constant vigil at their baby boy’s side.
‘I have been by her side every single day since the crash, and watching her, her partner Ryan and my baby nephew Henry go through this has been nothing short of a nightmare,’ Ms Nosti posted on social media earlier this week.
‘No family should ever have to endure this.’
The aim of fundraiser, which has already raised almost $42,000, is to allow Henry’s parents to focus entirely on his recovery.
Baby Henry (pictured) was born unresponsive and in a critical condition
Casey and Ryan have put their lives on hold to focus on Henry’s recovery
‘Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference to their young family. If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean more than you know,’ Ms Nosti added.
One of the P-plate drivers, 18, suffered minor injuries while the other, 20, escaped unscathed.
No charges have yet been laid in relation to the crash, but investigations are ongoing, a Queensland Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
