A man mown down in a ‘hit and run’ incident in Westbrook last month remains in King’s College Hospital, London, with injuries including multiple broken bones, a shattered hip and damage to his brain.

Azar Harden, 38, was hit in Canterbury Road at 9pm on April 28. He was flown to King’s due to the severity of his injuries and has so far undergone three operations with more to come.

The Margate resident’s partner Naomi Thatcher was at the scene when he was hit and says she and Azar’s family are ‘devastated.’

The 35-year-old said: “He will be having many surgeries and is currently in his third surgery since the accident.

“He will likely be in hospital for most of the year, at least three to four months maybe up to six depending on how his treatment goes. He will not even be able to attempt physio to walk for at least a year, that could be longer. There is chance that he may not be able to walk again or play guitar.

“He is an amazing man always supporting others, he would move mountains for the people he loves. He is a highly skilled guitar player with degrees in progressive rock and classical guitar from BIM music institute.”

Azar was due about to undergo training to obtain his SIA security license but is now struggling with his injuries and what the future might hold.

Naomi, who works at Burger King in Westwood, said: “His whole life has been turned upside down. His mental health is at an all-time low. He already has trouble with depression and anxiety among other things and with the acute brain damage he is prone to twitching when stressed and in pain.

“The fear he has endured so far is unreal. The thought of his future is terrifying to him.

“Seeing me and his family hurting and in high stress affects him mentally too, even though we are all trying to be strong for him, we are only human.”

Naomi says she and Azar’s family are also struggling.

She said: “I witnessed the hit and run and I am struggling with PTSD flashbacks and really having a hard time with my mental health seeing him suffering and being unable to do anything about it.

“I have had to take extended leave from work to be here for him so have no income at the moment.

“His family are devastated at what has happened to him and are struggling badly with the mental challenges that come with this all – especially his mum Christine. She has been so strong but I can tell it is breaking her inside every moment.”

Naomi is now fundraising to enable her to stay with Azar and support him on his long journey back to health.

She said: “I have been by his side all but two days since the accident and this is why I am fundraising, so I can be physical and mental support for him along his journey.

“He is my whole life.”

Find the fundraiser to help Azar and Naomi by clicking here

On Wednesday 30 April, a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The suspect was interviewed by police and has since been bailed, meaning he is required to return at a later date.

An investigation is ongoing, and officers are continuing to appeal for information. Anyone who has any information regarding the incident, or who has private CCTV or dashcam footage which might assist, should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/70569/25.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.