Image Credit: GOFUNDME/John Lambert
November 11, 2020 - 5:00 PM
A Lower Mainland man who was seriously injured in a hit and run that also killed his dog, is recovering in Kelowna.
Long-time friend John Lambert started a crowdfunding effort for Aldergrove resident Matty Rebman, who was hit by a car when taking his dog out for a walk Oct. 25. His dog Opie died and he was left lying on the ground in the 1300 block of Hudson Road.
Rebman was visiting friends in the Central Okanagan and remains in Kelowna General Hospital at this time.
RCMP say the blue sedan did not stop and was abandoned a short time later at the intersection of Hudson and Concord Roads. Despite calling in the dog team, police were not able to find the driver.
Rebman suffered two compound fractures in his leg as well as broken ribs, neck and back.
“They’ve got him doing physio for his shin that he had to have the reconstructive surgery on and it’s quite hard because he’s in the neck brace, chest brace for the two breaks he has there as well as his rib,” Lambert said. “He’s exceptionally exhausted at the moment and just trying to make-do.”
Lambert and his wife Kelly started the crowdfunding effort to help Rebman cover his mortgage and bills until his recovery.
“He’s going to need some help,” he said.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 10, the GoFundMe has raised more than $8,000 out of a goal of $30,000. Lambert said Rebman could be in the hospital for the next three and a half months, with physio lasting for another year.
“It’s still a very long road to recovery,” Lambert said.
COVID-19 has also made it difficult as Lambert has been unable to visit him. The hospitals are only accepting essential visitors at this time.
Find the GoFundMe here.
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