The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Nearing the goal of Frank’s Law with new bill
Public consultation over viability will continue until October
The campaign for Frank’s Law returned to the home of Dundee United yesterday as a public consultation over its viability continues.
Frank Kopel’s widow Amanda is leading the effort to abolish care fees for under-65s with debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Former United footballer Frank was diagnosed with dementia at just 59, with Amanda having to pay £1,200 every month for care up until his death aged 65 three years ago.
His passing came just weeks after he reached the qualified age for free personal care.
Scottish Conservative mental health spokesman and MSP Miles Briggs, who joined Mrs Kopel at Tannadice, has brought forward a member’s bill to implement what has become known as Frank’s Law.
Mrs Kopel said: “It has been four long years. It has been a long drawn-out battle but I’m so happy that we are nearing the goal now.
“I’m a lot more confident now than I was this time last year because all I heard was excuse after excuse after excuse.
“Now I’m delighted to see cross-party support for this consultation, with the SNP getting on board at the last hour.
“In my heart, I did feel we would get to this stage eventually but there were times where I did wilt.
“It was like I was going into extra time in a game and the legs were going and my tongue was getting tired with all the shouting I was doing.
“But all the way through I could still hear Frankie saying to me ‘tell them Amanda, it’s too late for me, but it’s going to help other people in the future’.”
The member’s bill means a public consultation is now in effect until October 6.
The Tannadice visit, which was also attended by Conservative Angus MP Kirstene Hair, is aimed at encouraging more individuals and organisations to take part to share their views on how the law should be shaped.
Mrs Kopel added: “It’s a feasibility study which the Scottish Government are doing at the moment.
“It’s basically to see what the people of Scotland think is needed, regardless of age, creed, race or gender.
“It doesn’t matter what political party they support or don’t support, I’d urge everyone to complete the survey because it could benefit them or their loved ones in the future.
“If our politicians truly believe that they want what’s best for the people of Scotland, they would bring in Frank’s Law.”