A victim of a suspected hit-and-run who suffered several broken bones and brain damage “may never walk again”, his devastated partner has revealed.

Azar Harnden, known as Azz, was hit by a car on Canterbury Road in Westbrook, Margate, on Monday, April 28.

He was with his partner of nine years, Naomi Thatcher, 35, at around 9pm when the incident, which sparked a large emergency response, happened.

Ms Thatcher, a trainee tattooist, told KentOnline Mr Harnden faces months of recovery in a London hospital, and she and his family have set up a fundraiser to be with him every step of the way.

He was left with a fractured spine, both legs, both arms and ribs as well as a shattered hip and brain damage, his heartbroken partner told KentOnline.

“He will be having many surgeries and is currently on his third since the accident,” she explained.

“He will likely be in the hospital for most of the year, at least three to four months. Maybe up to six, depending on how his treatment goes.

“He won’t even be able to attempt physio for at least a year or even longer. There is chance that he may not be able to walk again or play guitar.”

Ms Thatcher said her partner is an “amazing man” who always supports others and would “move mountains for the people he loves”.

He was hoping to gain qualifications in security before the collision.

“His whole life has been turned upside down,” Mr Harnden’s girlfriend added. “His mental health is at an all time low during this time.

“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 his mental health too even though we are all trying to be strong for him we are only human.”

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, police revealed last week.

A spokesman confirmed the suspect was interviewed by police and has since been bailed.

Ms Thatcher witnessed the incident and said she has been having flashbacks ever since.

She added: “Nine years we were planning our future with marriage and kids and our work ventures before this happened.

“He was going to bring the metal music scene into the next era and I was training myself to become a tattooist.”

The fundraiser has been set up so she and Mr Harnden’s family can travel and stay in accommodation close to the hospital to be with him. You can donate here.

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 police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/70569/25.

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