Professional boxer thanks NHS staff for saving mother’s life

Boxer Dan Azeez with his mother, Kike. Pic: Dan Azeez.

A Lewisham champion boxer has thanked staff at University Hospital Lewisham for their life-saving care of his mother, who received treatment for Covid-19 in April. 

Dan Azeez, from Catford, who is the current English light-heavyweight champion title holder, said: “I cannot thank you all enough for saving my mother’s life. Before being admitted to hospital my mum was in a real bad way – she was struggling to breathe, could not speak or move. We all feared the worse, but even when times got tough, you never gave up on her.”

Kike Azeez, a self-employed carer, spent four weeks in intensive care and has made a full recovery since being discharged. 

She told Eastlondonlines: “They cared for me like I was their own mother.”

Azeez, 30, said that while he was unable to visit her in hospital she praised the nurses going out of their way to help her on telephone calls with him. 

“I think it is really important to thank the NHS right now; you are all doing a tremendous service for your country,” he said. “Your lives are just as much on the line as the patients that you are caring for, which makes you all true heroes in my eyes.”

Azeez described his mother as his best friend. He said: “She has been an important figure in my life, especially helping me build my boxing career. I attribute a lot of my success to her support – that is why I am saying thank you.” 

“My family and I will be forever indebted to you all,” he added. 

Dan Azeez will defend his title in the light-heavyweight division in September. Pic: Dan Azeez.

Azeez is currently in training to defend his title in September. He is hoping to wear a t-shirt saying ‘Thank you to University Hospital Lewisham’ along with logos from his sponsors.

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