Fight to get free care for the under-65s

Frank Kopel, who was part of Dundee United’s great team of the 1970s and 1980s, was just 59 when he was told that he had dementia in 2009.

Because he was under 65, he was unable to qualify for free personal care.

The Kopel family struggled on for six years, paying vast amounts of money – around £300 a week – to ensure Frank got the care he needed at home.

He reached the qualifying age for free services 19 days before his death in April 2014.

Since Frank’s diagnosis, Mrs Kopel, 66, has campaigned tirelessly for Frank’s Law – a law which would extend free care to under-65s with dementia and other chronic illnesses.

The Courier has given its backing to the campaign.

The Courier supports Frank’s Law