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21st November 2024
Amanda Kopel has unveiled plans to stage a special fundraising evening on 27 October. This prestigious event will raise vital funds to support urgent dementia research and tickets can be bought on 0131 243 1453.
The Frank’s Law Dinner will take place at Tannadice Park and will showcase a treasure trove of Frank’s Law campaign shirts signed by an impressive list of sporting stars and football clubs from across the UK and Europe.
The special collection of signed Frank’s Law campaign commemorative shirts set to be auctioned includes; Open golf champion Francesco Molinaroi, tennis ace Rafael Nadal and football legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, John Barnes, Teddy Sheringham, Marco Silvestri, Robbie Fowler among others, including a wide range of Scottish, English and European football teams offering their signatures. A cricket bat signed by Sir Ian Botham and other international cricketers is also up for grabs. Click here to bid online - www.givergy.uk/alzheimerscotland.
All money raised will directly support dementia research projects personally handpicked by Amanda Kopel and Scott Kopel, focusing work at the University of Dundee and the F.I.E.L.D. study led by Dr Willie Stewart (Glasgow Brain Injury Research Group). Alzheimer Scotland will also be awarded a share of fundraising to help improve care and support for people living with dementia and their families.
Amanda launched her hugely successful Frank’s Law campaign in 2013, calling for the Scottish Government to extend free personal care regardless of their condition. The wife of the late Dundee United football player, said: “Frank was diagnosed with dementia when he was 59. I remember the day we came home after seeing the consultant, we sat together on the couch and just held hands.
“We lost Frank in 2014, and for five long years I battled on. I had my moments of doubt, but even after we lost Frank, I could hear his voice pushing me forward right to the end. The campaign may have slowed down after the Scottish Government’s decision to bring in the new law but that doesn’t come into effect until April, so for me the campaign goes on.”
Amanda, added: “People say to me ‘congratulations on your achievements’, but I didn’t do it all on my own. I had Frank’s army behind me, encouraging me to go on. I never wanted all the praise. At the end of the day Frank lost his life, but what a legacy to leave behind for thousands of people who will develop dementia over the years to come. To just have that financial burden taken away is amazing; anyone, no matter their age should have their dignity and respect while living with any illness and this change in the law will hopefully go some way towards this.
“I want to raise as much money as possible from this very special event to support people living with dementia now and for the future by supporting dementia research. Whether that be the vitally important research that Dr Willie Stewart is undertaking by looking at brain injuries and the risks of dementia and playing football, the incredible work of the team at the University of Dundee looking into the causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s, and of course the support provided by Alzheimer Scotland across Scottish communities for people living with dementia and their families.”
Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Amanda Kopel at this fantastic event. A tireless campaigner and inspiration to all of us for many years, I’m sure this wonderful evening will be a great success in raising much-needed funds for dementia support and research – causes I know to be very close to Amanda’s heart.
“Alzheimer Scotland believes nobody should face dementia alone. Every penny donated to Alzheimer Scotland will go towards delivering dementia-specific support across Scotland – information, care and activities tailored to individual need, delivered in local communities – while we campaign for and invest in research towards prevention, better dementia care and ultimately finding a cure.”
Tickets for the Frank’s Law Dinner taking place at Tannadice Park on 27 October are available for £35.00 per person (including a two course meal and access to the exclusive auction). To purchase a ticket for the event, call 0131 243 1453 or visit www.alzscot.org/frank
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