An Angus businessman’s “40 grounds for 40 years” trek has taken the Frank’s Law message across the world.
Well-known electrical retailer Jonathen Smith, who lives in Kirriemuir, travelled to watch 40 different football matches in a year across the UK, Europe and America to mark the milestone.
Mr Smith, who is a friend of the Kopel family, and also the president of Kirrie Thistle juniors, finished up his marathon trek “by the skin of his teeth” at Stamford Bridge in London on Tuesday night watching English Premier League leaders Chelsea against Southampton.
Tuesday’s game took place in the last hours of Mr Smith’s 40th year as he turned 41 on Wednesday.
He went to every ground wearing his Frank’s Law T-shirt to raise awareness of the campaign which would give under-65s with debilitating conditions the same rights to state support as older people.
He said: “I was 40 in April last year and I wanted to do something different for my birthday so I thought I’d visit 40 grounds I’d never been to before.
“You don’t turn 40 every year and I wanted to mark the special milestone by doing something I liked – and I watch a lot of football.
“Initially it was just for myself but then Amanda suggested taking my T-shirt and I thought it was a great idea so I’ve been wearing it everywhere and it’s something I feel strongly about.
“Disease doesn’t discriminate by your age and sadly that’s how it currently works.
“What happened to Frank was horrible and we must ensure something is done.”
Mr Kopel was diagnosed with dementia aged 59 and his family had to pay about £300 a week to support him.
When he turned 65, he was eligible for just 19 days of free personal care before his death in April 2014.
Scottish Government ministers have ordered a feasibility study into the proposals which is expected to report back in the summer.
Mr Smith’s trek took him to the English Premier League, the Championship, League 2, the English lower leagues, the Scottish Highland League, the European Championship and Major League Soccer in America.
He went to games usually with friends and watched teams such as Newcastle, Carlisle, Hartlepool, Forres Mechanics and Orlando City.
Mr Smith’s wife Wendy got him tickets for the Orlando game during a family holiday with their children Nicola and Lewis.
“It was the only game I saw out of the 40 that finished 0-0,” he added.
Frank’s widow Amanda Kopel said: “I’m sure Frankie has a smile from heaven as wide as the Tay seeing what Jonathen has done for him and for others.”
