More than $10,000 has been donated to help a Kiwi ultra-marathon runner seriously injured in the US by a hit and run driver.
Nick Ashill was 80 days into a run across the continental United States to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis when he was hit by a car.
The incident happened on August 2 when Ashill, from Wellington, was less than 1000km from his Central Park finish line.
He was struck by a dark-coloured ute, which fled the scene.
READ MORE:
Horror on the line: woman on phone to husband as ute hits him
New Zealand's own Forrest Gump sets out to run across America
Kiwi Forrest Gump 'lucky' after truck hit-and-run in America
Kiwi charity runner haunted by terrifying moments before struck by pick-up on US highway
The impact ripped the wing mirror off the truck and left Ashill with severe injuries - including a smashed pelvis, compound fracture to his right femur and bowel perforation.
He was on a Skype conversation with his wife Sarah when he was struck.
This week, speaking from her husband's hospital room in Columbus, Ohio, Sarah Ashill told the Weekend Herald how what started as a normal day quickly took a tragic turn - leaving Nick fighting for his life, bleeding heavily in a ditch and unable to move.
Sarah Ashill was in Cyprus at the time with the two youngest of the couple's four daughters.
"It was like the movies. I saw just the rolling of the grass," she said.
"I was like 'what's happening'. It went silent and then he yelled. When I heard that yell I knew that something was seriously wrong."
Ashill remains in hospital and his wife said his medical bills had already totalled more than $500,000.
That figure was set to increase during his rehabilitation.
Although he had insurance it was unclear how much would be covered - so a relative set up a Givealittle page to raise funds for the stricken family.
"We have a small family, but a strong family and I love Sarah, Nick and the girls, and this is how I can help out," the relative said.
As of this morning $10,423 had been donated by 116 people.
The donors include a Kiwi couple living in Ohio.
"We were so shocked and appalled to hear what happened to Nick," they wrote on the Givealittle page.
"So very sorry that this happened to you. Wishing you and your family all the very best."
Another donor wrote: "You're an amazing person to have set off on an arduous journey for others in the first place.
"It is sad such a senseless act has put you and your loved ones in this position. All the best for the rehab."
To donate to the Givealittle page, click here.