Fearless campaigner Amanda Kopel has condemned the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce Frank’s Law by 2019 as “unacceptable”.
Mrs Kopel, the widow of former Dundee United hero Frank Kopel, has campaigned relentlessly for free personal care to be extended to those under the age of 65 living with a debilitating illness.
The Frank’s Law campaigner said she felt like the “rug was pulled from under her” after learning the Scottish Government do not intend to implement Frank’s Law until April 2019.
Frustrated by what she views as an unnecessary delay, Mrs Kopel has vowed to fight to have the introduction brought forward.
Health secretary Shona Robison has already visited the campaigner’s Kirriemuir home to congratulate her on her efforts and to discuss details surrounding the implementation of Frank’s Law.
However, Mrs Kopel is adamant those under 65 living with illness like dementia have been told to “hang on” long enough.
She added while she would love to take a well earned rest, her quest will continue.
Passionate Mrs Kopel said: “I’m now into extra time because 2019 is not good enough for these poor souls (people under 65 living with debilitating illness).
“People were elated and then 24 hours later were told it is 2019, it has to be sooner.
“I feel that they have had 51 months to get something put into place, so when Nicola uttered those momentous words, her adviser should have been able to say let’s get this out there as soon as possible.
“It has to be changed to 2018. There’s going to be pressure on the government again to change this.
“I will not budge from getting this date changed.
“If you care, Nicola, and the party, then do what’s right for the people of Scotland.”
Mrs Kopel was given an emotional standing ovation at Tannadice on Saturday.
The United diehard took to the pitch before her beloved team’s clash with Dumbarton.
During the emotional acknowledgement, Mrs Kopel received rapturous applause from adoring Arabs and posed for pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/Frank.Kopels.Law/videos/2034406620123883/?permPage=1
Such was the party atmosphere of the celebration, Mrs Kopel danced as she left the pitch.
Reflecting on her afternoon, she said: “It was a very proud moment, a very emotional moment.
“I have lots of special memories.
“In the pre-match programme they asked me what I wanted to be put in and I asked for: ‘Frank’s Law, we did it’ because I wanted the word ‘we’.
“There are so many people who helped me get this out there, I didn’t do this on my own.”
The Scottish Government was approached for comment but had not responded by the time of going to press.
