The campaigners behind Frank’s Law have received a boost after it emerged Dundee City Council could back the proposed legislation.
Liberal Democrat member Fraser Macpherson has succeeded in having the debate tabled before councillors, who will also be addressed by the late footballer’s wife, Amanda Kopel.
The Courier is backing Frank’s Law, which seeks the roll-out of free personal care to under 65s with debilitating illnesses.
Dundee United legend Frank Kopel died in April having been diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease six years ago, when he was aged just 59.
Mr Macpherson said: “Following Angus Council unanimously agreeing to back Frank’s Law to recognise the need for free personal care to dementia suffers aged under 65, my friend and colleague, Montrose councillor David May, contacted me to suggest it would be highly appropriate for Dundee City Council to also back the campaign, given Frank’s long association with the city and the importance of this issue.
“Having spoken with Amanda, I am pleased to support her tireless campaign for proper recognition of the personal care needs of dementia suffers aged under 65 and I have no doubt the campaign will get wide support across Dundee City Council, just as it did in Angus recently.
“I have the upmost respect for Amanda’s work to highlight this hugely important issue. She has raised the profile of the campaign to improve access to care for people under age 65 who are battling dementia.
“Amanda has made her case to the Scottish Parliament petitions committee and to the previous and present Scottish health minister.
“This is a question of equality, fairness and an end to age discrimination of younger dementia sufferers and I do hope it also receives the unanimous support of Dundee City Councillors.”
Earlier this month, Angus councillors voted unanimously in favour of chief executive Richard Stiff writing to the First Minister calling for the introduction of Frank’s Law.