AN injured backpacker is out of immediate danger in hospital in Thailand after an urgent appeal for blood donors went viral.

Queues of people reportedly turned up at the hospital on Monday offering to give the relatively rare type of blood needed by Lucy Hill.

The 21-year-old, from Bury, suffered serious injuries when her moped was involved in a crash with a car in Chiang Mai on Saturday.

Ms Hill, a recent graduate at Leeds Beckett University who previously worked at TGI Fridays in Prestwich, underwent emergency surgery but friends appealed online for donations of A negative blood which she needed for a transfusion.

Fewer then 1% of Thai people have negative blood types, spurring her family and friends to launch the social media campaign for other Western travellers to come forward.

Her friend Darren Burns posted on Facebook that she was still in intensive care but had received a blood transfusion and was out of immediate danger at the hospital in Chiang Mai after the social media appeal prompted the required blood donations.

Mr Burns added: "Compassionate people from all over the world came together over the space of 24 hours for a girl from Bury!

"She's been my best friend for what feels like a life time and from the updates we're getting she's a fighter.

"Luce's received the blood transfusion she needs, she's still in intensive care but is out off immediate danger!!

"Thank u to social media, the people that shared the status and the people who donated their blood because really that's what made it happen!"

An initial posting appealing for help was made on Sunday by her travelling companion, Lauren Hall, on her Facebook page.

Ms Hall wrote: "Yesterday my friend and I were out for the day when Lucy suffered a an accident being hit by a car whilst on a moped. She is now in intensive care and has had emergency surgery but is needing blood transfusions.

"Negative blood is rare in Thailand and sourcing the blood is difficult.

"I understand it is your holiday but this is my friend. It doesn't take long and it will do a great thing. My friend wore a helmet and did nothing wrong.

"If you're around and unsure please get tested.

"Everybody please share. We need to get this everywhere. Social media can be so powerful."

The appeal was shared 40,000 times within six hours, with hundreds of messages and postings from people trying to help.

Miss Hill's mother Alison is at the bedside of her daughter, who began her trip to Thailand on January 3.

Lucy’s father Phil, who runs Pip’s Driving School, said: “I’m keeping in close touch with Alison. Lucy is now stable. We have been told she might have to have another operation on Thursday.

“She has suffered quite a bad injury to her eye and the doctors want to bring in an eye specialist to give his opinion.”

He added: “More people have been giving blood and it’s looking like Lucy might need surgery on her pelvis and treatment for the gash on her leg.”

Phil thanked everyone who had helped his daughter and particularly praised Lauren for the way she has dealt with such a challenging situation.

On Facebook, Phil said: “It is extraordinarily humbling and overwhelming how people react. Words can’t express how grateful we are.”

Lucy’s close friend Alex Warren has set up fundraising page to pay for her medical costs and more than £3,000 has so far been donated. Visit tinyurl.com/helpforlucy for more information.

Professor Paul Smith, Leeds Beckett University deputy vice-chancellor, said: “Our thoughts are with Lucy Hill and her family.

“I’ve spoken with Lauren Hall and have offered our support in raising awareness through all our available channels to help ensure Lucy has continued access to type A-negative blood.

“We will continue to provide further updates as we receive them on how people can support Lucy through our social media channels.”