The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lorraine donates dress to charity
DAYTIME TV personality Lorraine Kelly has donated one of her favourite dresses to a campaign to help dementia sufferers.
Lorraine is supporting Frank and Amanda Kopel who are trying to raise awareness and funds through the Frank Kopel Alzheimer’s Awareness Campaign.
Lorraine gave her backing to the campaign earlier this year and her dress will be auctioned off at a fundraising dance to be held in Forfar next month.
She gifted the dress along with a signed copy of her book, Lorraine on Looking Great: My Guide for Real Women.
Lorraine wore the dress on TV and said: “It’s one of my favourites.”
The former Dundee United legend Frank Kopel, 64, lifted the league cup twice during his 10 years at Tannadice and was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.
His wife, Amanda, is now leading a campaign which she is taking to the Scottish Parliament to get sufferers who are under 65 the same benefits as older dementia patients.
As he is not yet 65, Frank is not offered free personal care, so his family are forced to pay the council more than £400 a month for a carer who helps wash and dress him.
Amanda said: “This was so kind of Lorraine to donate such a beautiful gift and because it comes from her own wardrobe makes it all the more special.”
“I am thrilled Lorraine is involved as she is such a staunch supporter and has been just marvellous.
“It is heart breaking to watch this destroy the man I love and knowing there is no cure.
“At lot of what we are trying to campaign for is going to be too late for Frankie but hopefully it will help others in the future so they won’t have to plead and beg for things.”
The event is being organised by Craig Cameron and there will be an auction for several donated items, as well as live music and a raffle, at the Forfar West End Club on Friday, August 23.
Also up for grabs is hospitality for four for a Dundee FC game and a signed Dundee United goalkeeper shirt. IndyCar racing champion Dario Franchitti has also sent items for the auction.
Anyone who would like to make a bid in advance can email Craig on craigdjc@hotmail.com with their bid.