Limerick City ‘night of hope’ for injured boxer Lee Reeves

The event was held to show support for the boxer, who is in an induced coma since he was injured in a bout last Saturday

Among those who turned out on Friday to support injured Limerick boxer Lee Reeves were members of Limerick Treaty Suicide Watch with whom Lee volunteers. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Hundreds of people gathered in Limerick on Friday to show support for injured boxer Lee Reeves, who has “helped save lives” and “made a difference” in the community.

Lee Reeves, aged 31, from Roxboro, was stretchered from the ring after a heavy knockout defeat at Dublin’s 3Arena last Saturday night and rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery, before being placed into an induced coma.

By Harvey’s Quay, the people of Limerick showed up for a “night of hope” on Friday organised by Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, a group with whom Mr Reeves volunteers.

Wearing T-shirts branded with El Champo Training Camp, friends and neighbours placed candles by his pictures as the sun set.

Louise Connors with a portrait of Lee Reeves at the 'Night of Hope' for the boxer in Limerick tonight, Friday. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Crowds heard how “Lee cares about people” and “dedicated countless hours to helping” those who are struggling, making “a difference in people’s lives”.

Mr Reeves lost his mother Cathy to suicide in 2015. He joined Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP) in 2017 and has been an ambassador ever since.

LTSP volunteer David O’Mahony told the Irish Examiner: “I think the whole of Limerick felt so helpless. We didn’t really know what to do, and everyone wanted to do something for him.

“With the wish of Lee’s family, we got together, and we decided we might do a vigil for him. Lee is all about hope”.

According to Mr O’Mahony, LTSP chose Lee as an ambassador as he “embodies everything” they stand for — and is a great advocate for mental health.

“When he does come on patrol, there’s a different atmosphere,” Mr O’Mahony said.

Limerick boxer Lee Reeves was stretchered from the ring after a heavy knockout defeat at Dublin’s 3Arena last Saturday. David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“All the younger people in our group look up to Lee as a role model as well.

“He inspires us and makes us better, and everyone feels a sense of calm when he’s on patrol.”

Over the past week, there has been an “outpouring of love” as nearly €100,000 has been raised online for the Limerick boxer.

Mr O’Mahony added: “All we can do now is just hope and pray that the progress keeps continuing.

"When he wakes up, he’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of support he’s received from the city; it’s been absolutely phenomenal.”

Kay Smith of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention attending A Night of Hope for Lee Reeves in Limerick this evening. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Among those who showed up to support the young boxer yesterday were Alex Higgins and his parents, Kate and Keith.

After Alex was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy,   the family started a fundraiser to make their home more accessible. When he heard the news, Lee Reeves did not hesitate, and helped the family to raise funds.

Alex’s mother, Kate, told the Irish Examiner: “ We didn’t know him before this. He just heard about Alex and what he needed, and he was more than willing to help. He came out and got the whole social media side of it rolling; it really bumped the fundraising for us.”

Alongside his friend, fitness advocate Chris Connolly, Mr Reeves arranged for the Higgins family to go on holiday to Malaga for a week, and joined them there.

Elise Connors, Louise Connors, (Lee 's sister) and Martin Connors attending the Night of Hope for Lee Reeves in Limerick on Friday. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Kate described Lee Reeves as an “incredibly kind and funny” man, who is generous and “comfortable around people”.

He “slotted right in”, she said. “When a stranger comes into your house, you feel a bit uneasy for a little bit, but it was never like that with Lee. He just felt like he was part of the family. He’s always had great time for Alex.

“A lot of people would talk to Alex very childishly or treat him as if he’s completely disabled. But Lee was just on a different level with him. He was just playing games with him and talking to him about his life. He has an absolute heart of gold, and all he wants to do is help people when he can.”

A GoFundMe organised for Mr Reeves has now reached €100,000.

Mr Reeves’ family remains by his side in hospital, as medical staff are closely monitoring him.

Tori Johnston, Rose Collins, Reese Collins, and Brian Hayes showing support for Lee Reeves on Friday night in Limerick City. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

He is still in bed but “he’s still not moving”, his friend who set up the fundraiser said.

“He’s just lying there the last couple of days, and they’re doing everything they can to work on him,” Jonathan O’Brien said on social media.