In pictures: Limerick club boxes clever as young Jake faces crucial treatment

A BOXING club on the northside of Limerick city is holding a fundraiser later this month to help the family of a brave teenager who is facing a liver transplant.

Keen boxer Jake Barrett has had a number of huge challenges in his 13 years on this planet.

The St Clement's College student, who hails from Kileely, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just 14-months-old.
Four years ago, he contracted liver disease.

Taking up the story, his mum Lesley Gardiner said: “Everything was going well, he was getting routine bloods done. But one day, he started feeling pain and it all went downhill from there.”

The youngster had to be taken to University Hospital Limerick before then being rushed by ambulance to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin where he spent six weeks.

“He was very sick. It was 50/50,” mum Lesley added.

Jake now needs a liver transplant, and will go to London next month to visit a specialist to have tests done.

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He will then go on a waiting list until a match becomes available to him.
“I'm just delighted they are getting him over as soon as possible to get him on the list. The doctors have been unreal, in Crumlin they were just so nice to us,” said Lesley.

To help with the costs of travel and accommodation in the British capital, St Munchin's Boxing Club will hold a fundraiser later this month - date to be confirmed.

The club's founder, the former Olympic boxer Pa O'Halloran has pledged to do all he can to help the family.

“We want to make sure that we are going to help this family in every shape and form,” he said.

As well as being a talented boxer, Jake is also a keen artist.

He has designed the new crest which now adorns the gear of St Munchin's Boxing Club.

The teenager told the Limerick Leader how he loves the Thomondgate club.

“It's good for all the young fellas out there. Normally, they'd be doing nothing only messing, so this gives us something to do,” he said.

One of the boxers he looks up to the most is Moyross fighter Lee Reeves.

As well as visiting Jake in Crumlin, Lee also signed a pair of boxing gloves and a picture for the 13-year-old.

Jake's mum Lesley is strengthened by the courage her son has shown.

“Looking at him now, you wouldn't think anything was wrong with him. You wouldn't think he was a sick child. He doesn't leave anything bother him. He's after coming out of the hospital, and he was so lively and happy. Even to see him, he doesn't let anything get him down,” she said.

To help the family, call Lesley at 085-8173157.