Bailey, Phoenix commit over $2 million to Shelton
Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey and the Craig Butler-led Phoenix Academy donated €15,000 (J$2.3 million) to ailing former national striker and the country’s all-time goalscorer Luton Shelton. In a four-minute video, which included Bailey, Kyle Butler, Travis Blagrove, Kevaughn Atkinson, and Craig Butler, Bailey stated that the academy will contribute the funds towards Shelton’s medical expenses and encouraged him to stay strong as he takes on the challenge of ALS, following his diagnosis a few months ago.
“Hi this is Leon Bailey and I just want to support Luton Shelton, a pioneer in putting Jamaican footballers in Europe. He is the country’s top scorer. As he takes on a next challenge, he can win this match with support versus ALS, a disease that affects the muscles of the body,” Bailey said. “We love you Luton, we support you and we are committing that support in a real and tangible way with a donation of €15,000. (We) are looking forward to you healing. Power up my brother. Jamaica land we love, we are all here for you, respect and keep strong.”
Kyle Butler added that Shelton was an inspiration and wished him a full recovery. “As a kid, I always looked up to (you) because of your exploits in the Jamaica jersey as a pioneer in European countries, and your desire to fight hard and make it as a pro,” said Butler. “We are saddened by your illness and we know if you were in our position, you would help too,” he said.
Kevaughn Atkinson said Shelton gave him a lot of joy as a young player, while Travis Blagrove, who captains St Andrews FC in the Malta Premier League, said he was a ‘role model’. Meanwhile, Craig Butler called for even more support for the player. “I implore others to support Luton Shelton our leading goalscorer and a warrior, who has pioneered in Europe. He has made our country proud. We want to support him during ALS and give him motivation to fight and beat this disease. Luton is a winner and I am sure if he gets positive support from all of us, we will be able to help him,” said Butler.