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Dundee United fans to applaud Franks Law in Celtic final
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United for All, the group behind the idea, will also unfurl a banner before the clash with Celtic at Hampden.
Tannadice legend Frank Kopel, who wore number 3 in his playing days, succumbed to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s at the age of 65, six traumatic years after his diagnosis.
His widow Amanda has campaigned for free personal care to dementia sufferers under the age of 65.
When Frank was diagnosed, she was forced to give up her job to care for him and pay for care services that are free for those over 65.
There are over 3,000 dementia sufferers in Scotland that are not entitled to help.
Earlier this week, she spoke at a Dundee City Council meeting in a bid to get the administration on her side.
She said: “This is the most horrific death to watch, no matter whether you are 45 or 75.”
A statement from United for All said: “The Kopels had to give up their jobs and were left relying on Amanda’s small pension and a daily £3.81 carer’s allowance while paying hundreds of pounds a month for essential care services which were free to over 65s.
“This issue is a question of equality, fairness and an end to age discrimination of younger dementia sufferers and highlights the fact that in this life it could be you or me in this predicament.
“Sex, class, creed, race or age is no barrier to a disease that has no boundaries. It also has a profound emotional impact on those family Carers like Amanda.
“Amanda has been lobbying for two years now and in that time has held positive and constructive meetings with both Alex Neil, the previous Health Secretary and Shona Robison. Despite both expressing great sympathy during discussions, neither has been able to deliver yet.
“UfA now also takes this opportunity to urge all supporters to join the campaign and contact Shona Robison to seek urgent action.”
Fans of West Brom have similarly supported a campaign following the early death of striker Jeff Astle which was attributed to heading a heavy ball throughout his career.
The ‘Justice for Jeff’ campaign was launched by the family to raise awareness of head injuries in football and saw banners unfurled by Baggies fans at Premier League games in January.
The brain disease that claimed Astle’s life – chronic traumatic encephalopathy – was linked to repeatedly heading the ball throughout his career.
Alongside the awareness campaign, the family have launched The Jeff Astle Foundation to support ex-sportsmen and women with brain conditions.
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