Frank’s Law campaigner ‘overwhelmed’ after 71,000 receive free personal care

Widow and Frank’s Law campaigner Amanda Kopel says she is “overwhelmed” as figures show the law she campaigned for has helped 71,000 Scots receive free personal care.

Mrs Kopel campaigned for six years to introduce the law in memory of her footballer husband – Dundee United’s Frank Kopel who died in 2014 aged 65 after being diagnosed with dementia.

She was successful in 2019 when Frank’s Law was introduced, extending free personal care to those under 65.

Mrs Kopel had argued the rules discriminated against those with disabilities and degenerative conditions.

Support from Mr Briggs and former SNP health secretary Alex Neil was instrumental in passing the law.

Mrs Kopel said: “I am overwhelmed to hear that Frank’s Law has helped so many people in Scotland to access free personal care.

“It’s humbling to think of the difference our campaign has made to the lives of more than 71,000 families.

“I can never thank enough all the people who helped me in the fight for justice to end the blatant discrimination against the under-65s – especially the people in Scotland living with dementia, whose shoes I had walked in.

Mr Briggs, who represents the Lothians region, said: “I’m very happy that I was able to help Amanda’s battle for free personal care for dementia patients like her husband Frank.

“For too long many people under 65 were left to fight for access to vital care and health services at the very time they needed the health system to support them.

“In many cases this resulted in poorer outcomes for individuals and drove many families to despair.”

The charity Alzheimer Scotland presented Mrs Kopel with a lifetime achievement award in 2019 in recognition of her efforts.

Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, described her as “an inspiration”.