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Lee Reeves fundraiser closing in on major milestone as Limerick boxer remains in hospital

The 31-year-old is currently in critical but stable condition and was place in an induced coma after undergoing surgery following after a devastating knockout at the 3Arena on Saturday

[Lee Reeves.]

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Lee Reeves(Image: Mandatory Credit INPHO/Nick Elliott)

There has been a huge outpouring of support from the public for Limerick boxer Lee Reeves, who was critically injured after a devastating knockout in Dublin.

Reeves fought Gary Cully at the 3Arena on Saturday evening, losing by knockout in the 10th round.

The 31-year-old Roxboro native was was stretchered out of the ring after the fight and rushed to hospital, where his condition has been described as "critical but stable."

Reeves is understood to have undergone surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

A GoFundMe campaign was set up hours after Reeves' injury, with the proceeds from the fundraiser being used to support Reeves' family and to help with his medical bills and recovery.

The GoFundMe was set up by Jonathan OBrien, who said: Lee Reeves has given back to so many people in his life, supports charities and his community in Limerick, Ireland, and is one of our own a genuinely good-hearted man.

[Lee Reeves in action against Gary Cully]

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Lee Reeves in action against Gary Cully(Image: Queensberry)

The campaign has raised over 98,000 at time of publication towards a 130,000 target, with people from across Limerick and beyond contributing to help support Reeves and his family through this difficult time.

A candlelit vigil was held in support of Reeves on Friday organised by Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, a group with whom the Irish southpaw volunteers.

The charity said Reeves has spent years giving hope to others and that "now, it's our turn to give hope back".

The event was held at Harvey's Quay in Limerick city, with almost 200 people turning out to show their support for the stricken boxer.

"Last night really showed just how loved Lee is," the charity said in a statement on Saturday.

"We were completely taken aback by the amount of people who came down to Harveys Quay for our Night of Hope for Lee. Seeing so many people standing together for Lee, lighting candles, sharing stories and simply being there was something we wont forget.

"To every single person who showed up, sent a message, shared the event or kept Lee in their thoughts, thank you. The support for him has been unbelievable.

Lee has made an impact on so many people. Through boxing, through his work in the community, through LTSP, and most importantly just by being Lee. Last night was a reminder of how many lives he has touched and how many people are in his corner now.

"As we said last night, Lee is our soldier, our boxer, our friend, our brother and our hero.

"For now, we will continue to hope. We will continue to pray. We will continue to stand with Lee and his family every step of the way.

"Keep fighting, Lee. Limerick is behind you."

[Lee Reeves]

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The boxer was taken to hospital following his fight at the 3Arena in Dublin

On Thursday, August 6, Queensberry promoter Frank Warren issued a positive update on Reeves' current condition.

"My team have been in touch with Lee Reeves team and he is making progress. That is what we're hearing and thank the Lord for that," Warren said.

"With Lee its all about time. Time hopefully can be a healer."

Warren added that his hope was that Reeves would be able to "get back to his family as soon as possible".

Those who would like to donate to the fundraising campaign can visit the GoFundMe page here.

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