‘She’s a fighter’: Parents of teen hit during Burswood cruise meet release heartfelt statement

9 hours ago 3

The parents of the teenage girl, who is in intensive care after she was hit by a speeding car during a cruise meet in Burswood, had released a statement thanking first responders for keeping their “beautiful girl” alive.

Caitlyn Dickson, 17, was struck by the black Honda Civic on Camfield Drive near Crown Perth just before 10pm on Monday as the pre-arranged car club meeting was dispersing.

In a statement, her parents, Paul and Bec Dickson said they were “still in shock”.

“We can’t believe what has happened,” they wrote.

“We are so very grateful to the first responders. It is a miracle that our beautiful girl is still alive – thanks to your efforts.

Caitlyn Dickson was struck on Camfield Drive near Crown Perth.

“Caitlyn is a fighter and we know is in for the fight of her life.”

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the family with “emergency surgeries and ongoing medical care to rehabilitation, home adjustments, and time away from work”.

“A devastating accident occurred that has left Caitlyn with life-changing injuries and turned her family’s world upside down,” the page reads.

“Caitlyn is a bright, beautiful soul—full of love, laughter, and compassion. She has always been the first to help others, to lift those around her with her warmth and strength.

“Now, she and her family need us to be their strength.”

The fundraiser, set up on Tuesday, has already received over $16,000 in donations.

The driver of the car that hit Caitlyn has been charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation. The 25-year-old will appear in court on Wednesday.

Confronting mobile phone footage which circulated on social media showed two cars taking off at speed as bystanders watched from the roadside.

The second car hit Caitlyn, causing her to fly into the air and shatter the vehicle’s windscreen.

He remained in a serious but stable condition at Royal Perth Hospital on Wednesday.

Event organisers of the cruise meets have since indicated on social media that they will temporarily suspend future planned meets.

“Our thoughts are with the young woman who was tragically struck by a car at Monday Meets,” they said.

“We’re deeply saddened by what happened and are keeping her and her loved ones in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time.

“As a community, it’s important we reflect on the seriousness of this incident and remind ourselves of the responsibility we all share to prioritise safety - not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.”

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