The sister of Belfast boxer Stephen McMullan has said he is “doing amazing” on his road to recovery.
In early December, the 25-year-old heavyweight was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital after he became unwell the day after his Ulster Elite final.
Stephen did not require medical attention immediately after his heavyweight final when he was defeated by Charlie Boyle of Monkstown in the provincial decider at the Girdwood Community Hub.
Read more: Charity football match planned to support recovery of Belfast boxer Stephen McMullan
He spent five weeks in Intensive Care before being moved to the stroke ward.
In a recent social media post, Stephen’s sister Claire said he is now fully breathing on his own and no longer classed as critically ill.
She wrote: “Wow what to say 16 weeks later. My brother Stephen McMullan is fully breathing on his own - got his tracheostomy out today and is doing amazing and not classed as critically ill as from today.
"We are absolutely over the moon and so is he. He's came soo far, now waiting on the bed for Musgrave for his next journey. This guy is amazing. He's gobsmacked doctors and continuing to do so. Thanks for all the prayers. They have worked yet again."
Stephen’s girlfriend Aimee Fitzsimons also spoke of her pride at his progress to date: "He’s came so so far. One massive step today for him and a well deserved one for him as he hasn’t had a break! Trackie is out and is the one thing from the start that he’s wanted out so no more visits from critical care anymore! Only way is up for him now!"
Stephen’s cousin Mary Toman started a fundraising page three months ago, in which she hoped to gather public donations of at least £5,000 but so far donations are sitting at more than £11,000.
Money raised will go towards Stephen's intensive rehabilitation, as well as an eyegaze computer system to enable him to communicate with others.
Any funds not used towards Stephen's recovery will be donated to ICU and the Stroke Ward in The Royal Victoria Hospital.
In February, Belfast boxers past and present launched a charity walk for their fellow fighter as Stephen's family challenged people to walk 20 miles that month to raise awareness of his condition and help to raise funds.
A charity football between Patrick Pearse's GAC and Ard Eoin Kickhams GAA also took place in January at Cliftonville Playing Fields.
If you would like to donate to Stephen’s fundraising page, you can do so here.
Read more: Belfast boxer Stephen McMullan 'fighting very hard for the best recovery'
Read more: Newington boxer Stephen McMullan out of ICU after Ulster Elite heavyweight final
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
