Community rallies behind injured Knights fans with $64k in donations

About $64,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours for the Knights supporters most severely injured in Saturday's car crash.

Two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched in response to an outpouring of anger, sadness and disbelief after 10 people were injured when a car allegedly driven by 18-year-old P-plater Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe ploughed into fans lining Newcastle Link Road at Wallsend to farewell the Knights bus.

One of the victims, Dave Martin, 67, a retired barber from Wallsend, has had a GoFundMe launched by his daughter Lucy-Mae Martin.

It had already attracted $30,359 from 587 donations as of Sunday afternoon. The target is $70,000.

"Dave was caring for both his granddaughters in Wallsend when he pushed the girls out of the way and was struck by a car," Ms Martin wrote on Saturday night.

"He has just undergone eight hours in surgery with multiple fractures in both legs. Both girls are staying at the John Hunter tonight in good spirits.

"Many people in the community and Wallsend are asking us how they can show their support, so I am doing my best to direct that energy towards him from afar.

"We are raising money to help ease the financial burden of the family during this heartbreaking time to help with travel, accommodation, meals and getting Dad back on his feet."

Hunter New England Health District chief Tracey McCosker said on Sunday morning that Mr Martin's condition had improved overnight and was listed as stable.

The condition of a 5-year-old girl critically injured in the crash had also improved, and she was listed as stable on Sunday.

Newcastle woman Ashleigh Gibbs, who said she was the sister of the injured girl's mother, had also launched a GoFundMe.

It has raised $33,602 towards its $60,000 target from 537 donations.

"Our family is asking for your help following a devastating incident on Link Road that has left our loved ones facing an incredibly difficult and uncertain road ahead," Ms Gibbs wrote.

"A beautiful 5-year-old child is currently in an induced coma after suffering serious injuries and has already required multiple operations. Their mum was also seriously injured and will require multiple operations and a long period of recovery.

"Both mum and child now have a long road ahead of them, with ongoing surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and recovery. Sadly, because of the severity of their injuries, mum will not be able to work for some time, placing enormous financial pressure on the family while they focus on healing and being there for each other."