The widow of Dundee United legend Frank Kopel has sent a message of support to a former Kirkcaldy High pupil who is battling an incurable disease.
Amanda Kopel from Kirriemuir said she was touched by Gordon Aikman’s desire to help others despite losing the use of his hands almost completely.
Mr Aikman had it confirmed in June last year that he has motor neurone disease (MND) which forced the former Scotland squad gymnast and swimmer to re-evaluate his life.
He has now raised almost £500,000 through his Gordon’s Fightback campaign and he put together an action plan to help improve the care provided to Scotland’s 500 MND patients and help find a cure.
Achievements so far include paying MND nurses from the public purse instead of charity donations; doubling the number of MND nurses, and just this week guaranteeing MND patients a voice though eye-gaze technology and voice synthesizers, which can help patients communicate.
He also wants to outlaw care charges, fast track social security benefits and persuade the UK Government to double MND research funding.
Mrs Kopel said: “My heart goes out to this young man.
“I am delighted to read of what he is trying to achieve, as time is not on this brave young man’s side with that dreadful disease.”
Mrs Kopel’s husband died in April last year having been diagnosed with dementia in 2009 when he was just 59.
He and his wife paid about £300 a week so he could have personal care in his Kirriemuir home because he did not reach the qualifying age for free services until weeks before his death.
Mrs Kopel is urging ministers to close this loophole, a bid backed by The Courier. She has long campaigned for a roll-out of free personal care to under 65s with debilitating illnesses.
“I was very interested reading his goals and notice that he wants to outlaw care charges as well, fast track benefits and put more money into research.
“I spoke about all of this two years ago when I saw how flawed the system was and the struggle Frankie and I had.
“Mr Aikman has achieved so much and I would hope the Scottish Government will also look at helping the 3,500 younger people with dementia in Scotland who would also welcome dedicated nurses.
“It was good to see all Scotland’s political party leaders joining forces to show their support for MND Awareness it’s just a pity they can’t come together to support Frank’s Law.”
Mrs Kopel is to stage a protest outside the health minister’s office in Dundee and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh this month.