Dundee United legend Frank Kopel’s wife could stand for election as part of her campaign for free care for under-65s with dementia.
Amanda Kopel revealed her ambitious plans as The Courier begins a three-day series on the devastating illness.
The 63-year-old acts as full-time carer for her husband, who was diagnosed five years ago with incurable vascular dementia.
She is set for crunch talks with health secretary Alex Neil next week as she increases the pressure on the Scottish Government to change its policies.
Mr Neil declined to comment before the meeting but Mrs Kopel is expected to challenge him to “walk in her shoes” by spending 24 hours with the Kirriemuir couple.
The Courier took up the offer to spend a day with Amanda and Frank and we lay bare their daily struggle to cope with the former professional footballer’s debilitating condition.
She said: “I’d like to think (Mr Neil) is man enough to walk in my shoes and see how difficult our life is.
“My husband is fighting a losing battle but I’d like to hear Mr Neil say he’s going to make sure my husband’s battle, and the battle that other under-65s who have dementia in Scotland are going through, will be made easier by offering free personal care.”
For more on our Living with Dementia Investigation pick up The Courier or try our digital edition.