Franks Law

Forfar President Robin Wardhaugh was delighted to welcojavascript:void('Cyan')me guest speaker Amanda Kopel to the members where she was given a warm reception.

A short introduction was given by Rotarian Sandy Ogilvie and Amanda soon had the full attention of the attendees with her story of her husband Frank Kopel. Frankie Kopel she first met as an eight year old and he was a ten year old when they grew up, across the road from one another in Falkirk.

Her recollections of romance blossoming was as a teenager following her Frankie to watch football.

Frankies career on the football pitch took them down south where they lived for six years. There he played for Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers. During this time they married and son Scott was born albeit Amanda had to go home to Scotland for the birth so that Scott would be Scottish.

Frankie was then signed by New Manager Jim McLean for Dundee United, his first and probably the best signing he ever made. The rest of his playing career was played with distinction in front of the faithfull and loyal fans at Tannadice Park.

Very sadly,Frankie at the young age of 59 was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimers, the condition which was brought on by the continual heading of the football. Many sports are now seeing similar trends where there is a lot of continual blows to the head. Frankie eventually succumbed to his condition aged 65.

Amanda fights tirelessly to highlight her fight to get recognition for the need to have free care given to those in similar situations where presently no financial support is given to under 65 year old sufferers. Although she has high hopes of “FRANKS LAW” to be realised she knows it will be a case of determination to see it come to fruition. A determined lady, Amanda works for the day when the unfortunates who develop conditions where specialist care is needed is a medical condition that should not be age related. Surely this anomaly will soon be rectified and the financial burden on the sufferers family not one that can only be forthcoming on reaching the age of 65. As in Frankies case many die before the struggle with the illness ends.

Vote of Thanks to Amanda was given by Rotarian Colin Muir.

L -R     Sandy Ogilvie - Amanda Kopel - President Robin