Friends have started a fundraising appeal to help an animal sanctuary boss who is in a critical condition in hospital following a freak accident.

Marion Eaton was rushed to King’s College Hospital and put in an induced coma after falling down the stairs on Monday.

It is understood she is now out of the coma and showing signs of recovery.

The animal lover set up FRIEND rescue on a plot of land in Bush Lane in East Peckham 21 years ago, and currently looks after more than 100 creatures including pigs, cows and an alpaca with husband Mark.

The shelter relies entirely on donations for food, bedding, essential equipment and veterinary bills.

But now friends have rallied around to help to keep FRIEND going while she is in hospital, with a fundraising appeal.

Friend Mia Sweeney told the Kent Messenger: “With Christmas coming I’m hoping people will feel charitable and donate. They really did give up everything to run this.

"They are just amazing people. They do so much for the community. It would just be lovely if the community can rally round and help them now.”

The website explains: “Every pound helps and will also help to keep the sanctuary running.

Maybe if enough is raised it could also help pay towards transport costs for volunteers who may be able to help out at the sanctuary, so even if you can spare £1, if we get enough people donating we can raise our goal.”

So far more than £1,000 has been raised, against a target of £5,000.

To donate follow this link