A campaign has been launched to help a young woman left paralysed from the neck down and dependent on 24-hour care after being struck by a reported stolen car.

Veterinary surgeon Dorota Paskuvic was walking along Manor Road in Chatham when the alleged hit-and-run driver left her fighting for her life.

Ms Paskuvic, 28, was rushed to intensive care at a London hospital where she was placed in an induced coma.

Now her friend and colleague at the PDSA animal hospital in Gillingham has started a crowdfunding page in a bid to raise £25,000 to help improve her quality of life.

Chris Hyett writes: “She is unable to work and has a long and difficult journey ahead of her that will put her and her family under considerable financial pressure.

Chris added: “She is currently now able to breathe for herself, however she is completely paralysed from the neck downwards and remains in hospital, where she still requires extensive treatment.”

The animal lover had always dreamt of becoming a vet and was a veterinary nurse before undergoing years of study to qualify.

Chris said: “Dorota is a dedicated, professional, vibrant and active young woman who always puts the needs of animals in her care first and is well-loved by colleagues and those around her.

“Dorota is devoted to her cats.”

Chris said before the tragedy she had a great enthusiasm for life outside work. She enjoyed physical activities such as hiking and hanging out with friends.

Ms Paskuvic was hit by a silver Ford Fiesta just after 7pm on September 18 which failed to stop and was later found abandoned in New Cut at the junction with Railway Street in the town.

Before the incident, the vehicle, which had earlier been reported stolen, was stopped by police. As officers approached, the vehicle made off and the collision happened a few minutes later.

So far, about £740 has been raised on the page. If you would like to donate, click here.

Two men were later charged with various offences in relation to the incident.

Jonathon Kalemba, 22, of no fixed address and Xavier Attuah-Ansu, 20, of Montgomery Avenue, Chatham, have been remanded in custody and are due to stand trial in March.