Hundreds attend fundraiser for London boy with brain injury following hit and run crash

CTV London: Welcome home Fundraiser for Tyler Brooks who is out of hospital.

It's a homecoming that many prayed for, as the 10 year old victim of a horrendous hit-and-run incident will make his first public appearance.

Back in October of 2013, Tyler Brooks was seriously hurt when he was struck by a car while riding his bike on a sidewalk in east London.

Tyler has spent most of his time in a Toronto hospital since the crash on Wexford Ave. but was recently given the green light by his doctors to return home.

On Saturday, there will be a special benefit fundraiser to help Tyler's family deal with his medical bills.

Tyler suffered a brain injury and fractured pelvis after the car jumped the curb and slammed into him.

"We just wanted to do something for him. I mean, he's going to need ongoing medical care. He's going to need all kinds of things," says Denise Rivait ,event coordinator.

Tyler will be the guest of honour at the event.

While Tyler can stand with assistance, he still needs therapy which will help him recover from his injuries including a serious head trauma.

"It's very important for him to have it, to move forward and not take any steps backwards," says Connie Brooks, Tyler's mother.

Among those on hand at the fundraiser, the first responders who helped Tyler, including police, fire and EMS.

For the three Middlesex-London EMS members who treated Tyler at the scene it was a special opportunity to be part of this event.

"Usually for us it ends when we get to the hospital and very rarely to we actually hear any outcomes, so being able to be part of something like this is pretty special for all of us," says Dan Aitken, Middlesex-Llondon EMS.

The party is being held from 12 pm until midnight at the Canadian Corps at 1051 Dundas Street.

The event will feature bands, food, raffles and prizes.

The public is welcome to attend.

Toby Van Lieshout, 34, pleaded guilty of hitting Tyler with his car.  He is currently serving a 3-and-a-half year jail sentence.