Lee Reeves helps young fan losing his sight with ‘bucket list’

Lee Reeves helped a young fan register a big tick on his bucket list this week.

The Limerick boxer put 11-year-old DJ O’Connor through his paces at Eiremuaysiam Thaiboxing Gym and played a huge part in making one of the youngster’s dreams come true.

On St Stephen’s Day, DJ’s mother Caroline O’Connor shared her son’s heart-wrenching story. She revealed the 11-year-old was born with a rare syndrome called Bardet Beidl, has had to battle all his life and could now be faced with going blind.

“He had a rough few years, to begin with but he took it all in his stride and enjoyed life to the fullest. The last four months of 2021 have been a lot of emotional appointments and unfortunately, he has to undergo another surgery for his toes that will hopefully prevent any more problems down the line,” wrote Caroline

“But that has not been the hardest news given to him. Having been to Limerick and Dublin eye specialists we have been informed his eyesight has deteriorated quite a bit with only his central vision left and it is only a matter of time before his full sight could possibly go.”

The Doctors advised he should put together a bucket list of things to do before he loses his sight and the brave young man has jumped straight into it.

Within under a week, the initial list was completed but the suggestions and offers to help keep coming.

One of the items on the list was to do a boxing session with Limerick southpaw Reeves and it’s one that was ticked off on New Year’s Eve eve.

Reeves took the youngster through his paces in Limerick City and said he was ‘so grateful’ to be asked to do so.

Speaking online he said: I had the pleasure to meet this young man DJ and do a little boxing session with him. And I am so grateful one of his items on the list was to do a session with me. With the power of social media Let’s make 2022 the best year yet! If you can take anything from this post I ask that you also be like this amazing young man DJ and make your 2022 great. Wake up every day grateful and appreciating life and fill the year with adventure.”

Speaking online DJ’s mother said it was: “a moment he will treasure forever. Thank you so much Lee. You are a true inspiration with a very kind heart we really appreciate you giving DJ your time and gifting him with his own gloves. Also all the help you have given in getting the list fulfilled we are beyond grateful.”