ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease is a cruel illness that causes the motor neurons inside your spinal cord to die. Over time, the muscles degenerate and the person become a prisoner in his or her own body — progressively losing the ability to move, speak, swallow and, eventually, breathe. 

 Sports Minister Olivia Grange, who is in France on government business, made the announcement of the $5 million on Twitter.

 “I have been made aware of Luton’s illness through the social media. No one has been directly in touch with me but based on what I have seen, I am concerned and I am committing $5 million towards his medical expenses,” the minister said.

The 32-year-old Shelton was recently diagnosed with the cruel illness, 19 months after he got injured while representing Harbour View Football Club in a Red Stripe Premier League game against Tivoli Gardens at the National Stadium. Shelton departed the country yesterday with his wife for medical attention, hoping to beat the cruel disease.