Limerick boxer Lee Reeves remains in hospital as family ‘praying and wishing’ he wakes

Family remain by Lee Reeves’ side as Limerick community rallies around boxer following his serious injury in Dublin

Candles remain by Limerick's Harvey's Quay after hundreds showed up for a “night of hope” to show support for Lee Reeves. Picture: Manon Gilbart.

The family of Limerick boxer Lee Reeves remain by his side in hospital, "praying and wishing that he comes around”.

Lee Reeves, 31, from Roxboro, was stretchered from the ring after a heavy knockout defeat at Dublin’s 3Arena on August 1 and rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery before being placed in an induced coma.

Mr Reeves’ family remains by his side in hospital, as medical staff continue to closely monitor him.

Jonathan O'Brien, a friend of Mr Reeves who set up a fundraiser for him, has said he faces a “long road to recovery”.

"Just a quick update, people are texting me all weekend asking about Lee. Still nothing, guys, still the same. The family's by his side, praying and wishing that he comes around. But still nothing at the minute so just keep praying," Mr O'Brien said.

Limerick vigil for boxer

On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in Limerick city to show their support for Lee Reeves, who has “helped save lives” and “made a difference” in the community.

By Harvey’s Quay, the people of Limerick showed up for a vigil on Friday organised by Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, a group with which Mr Reeves volunteers.

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

Crowds heard how “Lee cares about people” and has 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.

Over the past week, there has been an outpouring of support for the Limerick boxer, with more than €102,000 raised online.