LIMERICK boxer Lee Reeves has been transferred to University Hospital Limerick after more than two months receiving treatment in Dublin for a serious brain injury.
Limerick boxer Lee Reeves has been transferred to University Hospital Limerick (UHL), bringing him closer to home after suffering a serious brain injury during a fight at Dublin’s 3Arena on August 1.
Reeves, 31, was knocked out during the bout and has remained in hospital since the incident. He recently underwent major surgery to have a plate put back in his head following the removal of part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain.
His friend and former boxer Jonathan O’Brien has been sharing updates on Reeves’ recovery through social media. In an update on Thursday, October 8, O’Brien said Reeves was stable following the procedure, although he had not yet regained consciousness.
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The transfer to Limerick will allow Reeves’ family and friends to visit him more easily as he continues his recovery.
David O’Mahony, public relations officer for Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP), welcomed the move.
“Lee is home at the moment now. It’s easier for us to visit him, easier for his family. That was the main thing, to get him home, back to Limerick,” O’Mahony said.
Over €120,000 raised for recovery
Over €120,000 has been raised through a fundraiser on GoFundMe. The fundraiser was established by O’Brien to support Reeves and his family. O’Brien has confirmed that the fundraiser is set to close, with the money transferred to Reeves’ father, Tony.
In his updates, O’Brien thanked those who donated and supported the family throughout the nine weeks since Reeves was injured.
Reeves’ operation had been postponed several times before it eventually took place.
The fundraiser ran alongside wider community efforts in Limerick to support the boxer, with local organisations, sporting clubs and members of the public organising fundraising initiatives.
Limerick community rallies behind Reeves
Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP), for which Reeves is an ambassador, established the ‘Limerick for Lee’ group to coordinate support for the boxer and his family following his injury.
Fundraising efforts included a 5km run and walk from Conlans Mini on Saturday, October 3, followed by a fundraising boxing show hosted by Southside Boxing Academy and Treaty Boxing Club at Southside Boxing Academy in Galvone Industrial Estate on Sunday, October 4.
O’Mahony said the events have attracted support from across the community.
“The fundraising event was amazing. There were two separate runs in collaboration with HUH Clothing and Conlans Mini. There were a good few people there, some boxers, the Seventh Battalion and some of his friends,” O’Mahony said.
“I don’t have the exact amount, but I know there was a substantial amount raised for Lee’s recovery. This is the start of the recovery process for Lee. We’re glad to have him back in Limerick.”
Cork boxer Tommy Hyde also urged people to support the fundraiser, highlighting Reeves’ own efforts to help others in his community.
“Lee has spent years helping others, supporting people through some of their darkest times and giving so much back to his community. Now it’s time to give back to Lee,” he said.
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Reeves is now receiving care at UHL, closer to his family and friends in Limerick.