Muhammad Usman: Uber driver ‘left speechless’ by WA community generosity after raising $114k in 24 hours

The 25-year-old Uber driver seriously injured in the deadly Dalkeith crash that killed a 24-year-old woman has thanked the thousands of people who donated to help in his recovery. Muhammad Usman said he was “absolutely overwhelmed and deeply grateful” for how quickly the WA community rallied around him, raising more than $114,200 in less than 24 hours. Among the donors was a prominent motor dealer, who is willing to fly the 25-year-old’s parents out to Australia and has offered the use of a car for when Mr Usman is able to return to work.. “Your generosity has left me speechless and filled with immense gratitude,” he said in a posting to his GoFundMe page. “This morning, I was welcomed with outpouring love and kindness from this amazing community. Your support has not only helped me financially but has also given me the motivation and strength to keep moving forward during this challenging time. “I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such caring and compassionate individuals. “Your belief in me and my journey means the world, and I am excited for the future ahead, knowing I have such an incredible community behind me.” It has been a week since the Pakistan-born driver was eased out of an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital. Mr Usman broke both femurs and an arm after Rhys Bellinge allegedly crashed at speed into Mr Usman’s Uber about 10.15pm on February 15. His passenger, Elizabeth Pearce, was critically injured and died in Royal Perth Hospital. With no family in Australia, Mr Usman created the GoFundMe on Tuesday evening asking the public for financial support and prayers after his life took a “devastating turn”. And after thousands flocked to the page to contribute, Mr Usman has since disabled the fundraiser from receiving any new donations. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you from me and my family to each and everyone who have contributed and remembered me in their prayers. Your kindness will never be forgotten,” he said. “Please also remember Elizabeth Pearce in your thoughts and prayers. Her funeral is coming up on the 6th of March. My heart goes out to her grieving family and friends. Your messages, prayers, and donations mean more than words can express.” The civil engineering graduate then asked for privacy while he focuses on recovery and waits for his family to arrive in Australia to support him. Meantime, the family of Ms Pearce — who was killed in the crash — have set up the Elizabeth Pearce Marine Science Fund in honour of the 24-year-old marine biology graduate. Premier Roger Cook said the success of Mr Usman’s fundraiser had “warmed his heart”. “I think that the poor old driver was one of the forgotten people in this horrible accident . . . obviously we’ve lost a life and that is horrible and dreadful, and those families continue to hurt today and nothing can replace their loss,” he said on Wednesday. “I’m just so delighted and so proud of the Western Australian public who have now gathered around and put their arms around this young man to make sure he continues to have the support he needs in what is going to be a long recovery for him.” Mr Cook also thanked hospital staff who had “done such an amazing job” caring for Mr Usman. Mr Usman said he had been scheduled to attend a job interview two days after the accident, but now faces a “long, challenging road to recovery” . He has also worked as a disability support worker and said he was “always striving to support others”. Dr Bellinge, an obstetrician at Concept Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was allegedly almost four times the legal blood alcohol limit when his Jaguar hit a kerb and careened into Mr Usman’s car on Birdwood Parade. The 45-year-old doctor allegedly reached speeds of 130km/h before impact. He had been driving from the Nedlands home of his estranged wife Juli to his father’s mansion on Jutland Parade, Dalkeith. He has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation and was denied bail last Wednesday.