Limerick boxer Lee Reeves has shown positive signs of progress in his recovery, with his family reporting movement in his hands and face.
Former boxer and friend Jonathan O’Brien shared the update on social media alongside his wife Emma on Wednesday, October 21, after the family contacted him to share the latest news about the 31-year-old’s condition.
The couple described the developments as encouraging, with Reeves reportedly squeezing his sister’s hand, blinking his eyes, smirking and making a grunting noise.
Jonathan said “We got some amazing news this morning and it’s all about Lee Reeves.”
One of the most significant developments concerns Reeves’ tracheostomy tube, which doctors have reportedly been removing for short periods over recent days.
According to the couple, Reeves has been coughing and swallowing, signs they said indicated that his brain was sending the correct signals to the rest of his body.
Jonathan explained that doctors had removed the tube for a couple of hours on recent days, but the family had waited to share the news until they were given permission.
“The family has rang me and asked would I do a video,” he said, with Emma adding that they wanted to show Reeves’ progress.
The update also included footage of Reeves in his hospital bed with his sister, who could be heard encouraging him to squeeze her hand. The video showed his hand moving slightly as she urged him on.
Reacting to the news, Jonathan said “This is positivity. This is amazing news, this is a sign that something is happening from the power of the prayers from every single person out there that is praying.”
He added “El Champo’s making a comeback! He’s fighting to come back and this is what we need, we need to hear some positive news guys, and this is what we’re giving yous today.”
Long road to recovery
The Roxboro native has been in hospital since August 1, when he suffered a serious brain injury after being knocked out during a fight at Dublin’s 3Arena.
Reeves spent more than two months receiving treatment in Dublin before being transferred to University Hospital Limerick earlier this month, bringing him closer to his family and friends.
The latest update offers encouragement to Reeves’ family and supporters following weeks of concern about his condition. However, Jonathan stressed that significant challenges remain as the boxer continues his recovery.
“It’s gonna be a long road for recovery,” he said.
Jonathan also appealed to the public to continue supporting Reeves and his family through the ongoing fundraising campaign.
“We just need support from everybody, and to keep the GoFundMe page going because this is gonna be a long road and it’s gonna cost a lot of money for Lee and the family in the future.”
The fundraiser has raised over €120,000 to support Reeves and his family following his injury, with the money helping to meet the costs associated with his ongoing care and rehabilitation.
The latest news has brought renewed hope to the Limerick community, which has rallied behind the boxer since his injury.