Thousands pledged cash to support Kenwood Travel agent Abbie Sontag, 29, and partner Pete Brudenell, 34, Kenwood’s head of marketing, after they were involved in a head on collision while travelling between Phuket to Khao Lak.

Both Sontag and Brudenell were left with ruptured bowels, while Sontag additionally suffered a fractured spine, three broken ribs and had to have her spleen removed.

The couple eventually spent some 16 days in their Thai hospital.

However, it was only after they found themselves laid up Sontag’s family realised her travel insurance, arranged through her bank, would not cover the cost of her treatment.

Her family quickly set up a Go Fund Me campaign, which within days raised more than £40,000 to cover her treatment, and today stands at £44,700.

Both now home and slowly returning to work, Brudenell this week approached TTG to thank the industry after it rallied behind the couple in their hour of need.

“We were overwhelmed by the support we received from the travel industry, with hotel suppliers, friends, colleagues (old and new), media and competitors all supporting us,” said Brudenell.

“It wasn’t just the financial support that made a huge difference, but the kind messages we received. It really outlined what a wonderful industry we work in, and we truly believe it made a difference to our recovery."

Brudenell also paid tribute to the incredible bravery of his partner: "We are recovering well and are both back at work, with Abbie doing some from home. We thank Kenwood for their support here too," he said.

"Abbie is having ongoing physio and various doctors appointments and jabs, and will need another operation on her back at some stage, but other than some scars, we are both going to make a full recovery.”