Fundraising to support Cumbrian footballer Danny Hodgson has topped the $100,000 mark - as his parents prepare to fly to Australia to be at his hospital bedside.

A remarkable show of support to the young player - who is in an induced coma after suffering an unprovoked attack in Perth - has reached six figures.

And it is coupled with the welcome news that former Carlisle United youth player Danny's parents have secured flights to Australia, having launched a desperate plea for help yesterday.

After their appeal brought a huge response in Cumbria, nationally and Down Under, it has now been confirmed that mum and dad, Nicola and Peter, can travel to be with their 25-year-old son.

Nicola, updating a Facebook post that went viral yesterday, wrote: "It’s incredible that in 24 hours we have been able to achieve the impossible. I cannot thank everyone enough who has been involved. Our prayers have been answered and we have confirmed flights to Australia.

"Danny still has a long journey ahead of him but the fact that me and Peter will be by his side through it gives us enormous comfort. It’s the most emotional experience I’ve ever had. One act of violence has spurred thousands of acts of kindness and for that we will be eternally grateful."

Danny's parents had made their appeal as they faced difficulty securing airline tickets due to the limited number of international flights entering Western Australia under current restrictions.

As news broke of Danny's critical condition in Royal Perth Hospital, meanwhile, a huge fundraising effort, aimed at helping with his recovery, gathered remarkable pace.

A GoFundMe page set up by friend Steven Burton has raised more than $101,000 in less than 24 hours. You can donate to that here

A separate GoFundMe account, launched by Danny's football club ECU Joondalup, has raised more than $6,000. You can donate to that here

It means the equivalent of more than £54,000 has been pledged to support Danny, who hails from Bigrigg, Egremont.

The fundraising received donations from footballers including Danny's fellow west Cumbrian Dean Henderson, the Manchester United star donating $5,000. England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin contributed $3,000 while Cleator Moor's Manchester City keeper Scott Carson and wife Amy donated $1,500.

Nicola has said the money will go directly to Danny and support every element of his recovery.

Danny, who played for Windscale and Cleator Moor Celtic and was in United's youth team before moving to Australia aged 18, was allegedly struck from behind at a Perth train station and knocked unconscious.

He was taken to hospital for emergency surgery for head injuries and, after suffering brain haemorrhaging, is now in an induced coma.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on September 22.

ECU Joondalup coach Kenny Lowe, the former Barrow AFC and Carlisle United player, said: "Danny is a great player, but more importantly he is a great bloke who is extremely popular with his teammates.

"We are wrapping our arms around him, his girlfriend Jess and their families and giving them as much strength and support as we can."