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MS is still so misunderstood....


Woman with multiple sclerosis given abusive notes for parking in a disabled space in Nantwich

Sep 30 2009 by James A Oliver, Crewe Chronicle

Woman with multiple sclerosis given abusive notes for parking in a disabled space in Nantwich

A WOMAN with multiple sclerosis who parked her car in a disabled parking space has vowed never to shop in Nantwich again after being told she was faking her disability.

Victoria Spencer, 38, of Wychwood Park, spent the morning shopping in the town centre, clearly displaying her blue badge on the dashboard of her BMW 4x4.

But when she returned to the space in Hospital Street, she found two notes taped to her windscreen.

One read: “Do you not think you are abusing the system? You have been parked here all morning and not allowing ‘real’ disabled people to park. We have given your registration number to the disabled authorities.”

The other said: “All pose - no class. What a ridiculous car to purchase in this day and age... Like most people with brains I both sneer at, and pity, you.”

Mrs Spencer was infuriated and believes a shopkeeper has watched her park up and posted the notes. She said: “I had parked to do some shopping, drop my daughter off at ballet and to have some lunch.

“When I saw the notes, I was furious. Somebody has seen me walking along able-bodied, you don’t always have to be in a wheelchair to be disabled.”

Mrs Spencer believes many others will not want to shop in the town if visitors are treated that way.

She added: “My condition means that I sometimes can’t walk or go to the toilet, never mind drive and park a car.

“I don’t feel the need to justify myself to these people but they need to realise how upsetting it was. Maybe they should try having MS and then being told they are not really disabled.

“I wonder if anyone else has come across this type of thing? I don’t want to spend any of my money in those shops ever again.”