The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Success for The Courier as Frank’s Law is named campaign of the year
TRIUMPH: Legislation followed the harrowing case of former footballer who died after battle with dementia
The Courier has scooped the prestigious campaign of the year title at the Scottish Press Awards following the success of “Frank’s Law”.
The campaign, which demanded free personal care for all, regardless of age, was finally agreed after years of tireless campaigning.
The Courier started its campaign following the harrowing case of Frank Kopel, the former Dundee United star who died in 2014 following a battle with dementia.
His wife Amanda called for changes in the care system after being forced into financial hardship because her husband was not entitled to the same free personal care that over-65s receive.
The Courier threw its weight behind the campaign and eventually secured the cross-party support required to ensure new legislation would be brought in.
The Courier’s victory was announced during the annual Scottish Press Awards even, held in Glasgow on Thursday night.
Mrs Kopel was among those to toast the triumph.
“Absolutely delighted to waken up to the news that The Courier have won the Scottish Press Awards Campaign of the Year for Frank’s Law,” she said.
“Congratulations to all the staff at The Courier for their fantastic support to me, Frankie and all the under 65s.”
The Courier’s former political editor, Kieran Andrews, was instrumental in the success of Frank’s Law.
“At points, it seemed like a hopeless cause while the Kopel family paid £1,200 a month in fees so that Frank could see out his final days in his home in Kirriemuir, Angus,” he said.
“The arithmetic at the Scottish Parliament changed following the 2016 election, however, and The Courier led the way exerting political pressure.
“A majority of MSPs now supported Frank’s Law, and Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs was persuaded to submit a private members bill that had the numbers to pass even if the executive continued to withhold its support.
“Cracks began to show. Former SNP health secretary Alex Neil backed the campaign and the tone of ministers began to change. Prime Minister Theresa May called Amanda ‘inspirational’ in an interview with The Courier.”
It was on September 5, 2017, that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced Frank’s Law would come into force by April 2019.
“It is impossible to imagine the stress a family will go through when they are trying to cope with a loved one suffering from a disease like Alzheimer’s,” Kieran added.
“Finances will be one less thing to worry about for thousands of people now, though, thanks to the tenacity of Amanda Kopel and The Courier.”