Wife of Dundee United legend Frank Kopel ‘begging’ for dementia care change

The wife of former footballer Frank Kopel has told the Scottish Parliament public petitions committee that there needs to be better care for dementia sufferers.

Amanda Kopel started the Frank Kopel Alzheimer’s Awareness Campaign after her husband, former Dundee United star Frank, was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

As he is under 65 his care is paid for by his family, at £400 a week, but Amanda wants a change in the law to see all those with the disease receive the same benefits.

“This man now does not even know how to sit down, let alone kick a ball,” she said.

“I, like others in my situation, am asking, pleading, begging for change.”

Mrs Kopel called on Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the daily issues suffered by people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to ensure that free personal care is made available regardless of age.

Her petition coincided with a report by the Carer’s Trust which warned that Scottish carers were not getting the support they needed.