THE wife of late Dundee United legend Frank Kopel has been honoured for her "remarkable" campaign to extend free personal care to people under 65 suffering from degenerative conditions.

Amanda Kopel was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award today at Scotland's Dementia Awards, held today at Glasgow's Radisson hotel.

Amanda launched ‘Franks Law’ campaign, which was named after her late husband and football legend Frank Kopel, who was diagnosed with dementia when he was 59. He died six years later, aged 65 at his home in Kirriemuir, Angus.

At the end of his life, his family was paying around £300 a week for his personal care.

Read more: 'It's extraordinary to see their faces': Hospital sets up hair salon for dementia patients

After single-handedly running the campaign for six years, the Scottish Government introduced a new law which extended free personal care for everyone who requires it, regardless of age

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Other winners included Styles and Smiles, a hair salon for dementia patients based at University Hospital Wishaw, which was named Best Hospital Care Initiative.

The awards are a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council and celebrate the achievements of groups and individuals who are making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

The Woodland Activity Group was named best community initiative while NHS Lothian's Rapid Response Team were awarded best community support initiative.

Read more: SFA urged to act by Frank's Law campaigner Amanda Kopel 

The Best Educational Initiative was presented to the Carer's Academy, run by NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the University of the West of Scotland while Erskine Park Care Home was named Best Care Home Practice Improvement for the project, Developing Namaste Care in Practice.

Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said on behalf of Scotland’s Dementia Awards: “Congratulations to all our winners for their excellent work to improve the lives of people living with dementia, their carers and family members.

“I am always amazed and honoured by the dedication of individuals and of the creative collaborations taking place across Scotland and this year was no exception. 

“We were delighted to honour the tireless work of Amanda Kopel who received a special Lifetime Achievement Award on the day following years of campaigning to extend free personal care to people under the age of 65.

"Amanda’s efforts and her commitment to end this inequality has been a truly remarkable achievement, and the outcome of her campaign will improve the lives of so many people with dementia and other conditions throughout Scotland and she greatly deserves this recognition.”