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<\/p>\n
Hundreds of people gathered in Limerick\u00a0on Friday to show support for\u00a0injured boxer Lee Reeves, who has \u201chelped save lives\u201d and \u201cmade a difference\u201d in the community.<\/p>\n
Lee Reeves, aged 31, from Roxboro, was stretchered from the ring after a heavy knockout defeat at Dublin\u2019s 3Arena last Saturday night and rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery, before being placed into an induced coma.<\/p>\n
By Harvey\u2019s Quay, the people of Limerick showed up for a \u201cnight of hope\u201d on Friday organised by Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, a group with whom Mr Reeves volunteers.<\/p>\n
Wearing T-shirts branded with El Champo Training Camp, friends and neighbours placed candles by his pictures as the sun set.<\/p>\n
Crowds heard how \u201cLee cares about people\u201d and \u201cdedicated countless hours to helping\u201d those who are struggling, making \u201ca difference in people\u2019s lives\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
LTSP volunteer David O\u2019Mahony told the Irish Examiner: \u201cI think the whole of Limerick felt so helpless. We didn\u2019t really know what to do, and everyone wanted to do something for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the wish of Lee\u2019s family, we got together, and we decided we might do a vigil for him. Lee is all about hope\u201d.<\/p>\n
According to Mr O\u2019Mahony, LTSP chose Lee as an ambassador as he \u201cembodies everything\u201d they stand for \u2014 and is a great advocate for mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he does come on patrol, there\u2019s a different atmosphere,\u201d Mr O\u2019Mahony said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the younger people in our group look up to Lee as a role model as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe inspires us and makes us better, and everyone feels a sense of calm when he\u2019s on patrol.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the past week, there has been an \u201coutpouring of love\u201d as nearly \u20ac100,000 has been raised online for the Limerick boxer.<\/p>\n
Mr O\u2019Mahony added: \u201cAll we can do now is just hope and pray that the progress keeps continuing.<\/p>\n