Former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel will mark his 65th birthday today at home in Kirriemuir with his wife.
Amanda Kopel has campaigned to have free care offered to under-65s with dementia since her husband was diagnosed aged just 59.
The couple had to leave their jobs and pay out around £400 a month for council care services.
Mr and Mrs Kopel last week met Health Secretary Alex Neil, who has pledged to deliver a statement to parliament about the issues raised by the campaign.
Mrs Kopel’s call for free care to be extended has won the backing of Lorraine Kelly, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross, a host of former footballers, shadow health minister Neil Findlay and Scottish Labour MSP Jenny Marra.
Speaking to The Courier, Mrs Kopel insisted she will continue to campaign for free care for younger dementia sufferers.
She said: “It seems so poignant that five years ago we had a 60th party for Frankie. He didn’t want a party but we had just had his diagnosis and it was a quick get together but I’m so glad we did it.
“We have reached another milestone, Frankie’s 65th, a day which we never thought we would see. Every day that he is with us is a blessing.
“Frankie will now get his free personal care but, as I told Mr Neil last week, I am not going to stop shouting for others.”
Frank Kopel lifted the league cup twice during 10 years at Tannadice and remains a fans’ favourite, having had a supporter’s club named after him.