Toddler injured in Cork hit-and-run diagnosed with brain injury

The toddler injured in a Cork hit-and-run has been diagnosed with a brain injury.

Zac Higgins was struck by a car in the Castle Meadows estate off the Skehard Road at the end of last month. The three-year-old had been playing in a front garden and followed a ball out o nto the road of what has been described as a quiet estate. The car that hit him did not stop and immediately fled the scene. Zac's parents, Paul and Ashling, have since thanked the public for their kindness and support following the incident. They also released a statement today saying that their son has been diagnosed with a brain injury. The couple are "devastated" by the news. "We would like to start by thanking everyone from all over the country for their continued support last week," they wrote on their GoFundMe page.

"Our baby boy Zac was diagnosed with a DAI (Diffuse axonal injury) brain injury. "To say we are devastated is an understatement we don't know what the future holds for little Zac but we do know we will be by his side every step of the way. "It's going to be a very long road to recovery but we have faith in god and want everyone to continue to pray for a miracle."

Following the incident, Zac was rushed to Cork University Hospital. He was later transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital and put into an induced coma. Donations for Zac's GoFundMe have since exceeded €33,000. His parents are hoping to reach €50,000. You can access the fundraiser here.