Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw missed a crucial breast cancer appointment after being unable to find a parking space at Royal Berkshire Hospital. The 53-year-old actress, who played Maxine Peacock in the soap, arrived early for her appointment but spent 45 minutes driving around the car park looking for a space.
Missed appointment after parking struggle
Shaw received her breast cancer diagnosis in April following the discovery of a lump and completed her fourth round of chemotherapy last month. In a tearful Instagram story, she said she rang the hospital after missing the appointment and was told that because it was the first appointment, they were not sure if the doctor could see her.
She said: "So, my update is I'm sat in the car park and I missed the appointment. I rang them and they said because it was the first appointment, they're not sure [if] the doctor can see me now. I arrived really early and I've been driving around the car park now for 45 minutes."
Shaw described the advice she was given: "The advice I was given was, 'Could you go out and park on the road?' and I said, 'The likelihood of me finding a space is so slim'. Everyone who knows, [or] comes to Royal Berkshire [Hospital], knows there's a real problem for finding a space."
Anxiety and rescheduling
She added: "The anxiety it's brought up is horrendous and the one appointment I'm looking forward to having, I couldn't make. I haven't got anyone to drop me off. Luca's gone back to Uni now. This happens all the time... I was late 45 minutes for chemo, once. Car parks, hey?"
Shaw subsequently confirmed her appointment had been rescheduled.
A spokesperson from Royal Berkshire Hospital said: "We are aware that parking on the Royal Berkshire Hospital site can be a challenge, and we understand - as in this instance - this can cause anxiety for patients."
"To help alleviate this we have a range of parking options including our multi-story car park, other on-site spaces, and there is also street parking around the perimeter of the hospital site."
"We have a number of bus routes outside the front of the hospital, a direct Park and Ride service, and where able we encourage our patients to visit by public transport or arrange to be dropped off and collected later."
Treatment update and fan support
Last month, Shaw opened up about the "tough" side effects she has endured throughout her chemotherapy treatment while expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
She posted on Instagram: "Grateful everyday for moments of Joy. Thankyou for every message of encouragement on this rollercoaster coaster of a journey."
"Living with the side effects daily can be tough, but together we share a life-changing experience to help others. I believe more in the spirit and soul, our flesh will recover... Our bodies are simply amazing."
"Thankyou for lifting me on the days I struggle with being blasted with chemo , not looking forward to the last two rounds. More importantly I'm so grateful to have been given opportunity to live, learn, and grow into my authentic self. Happy weekend everyone."
Shaw, who has predominantly concentrated on theatre work since departing Coronation Street and also had a short-lived music career with a version of Lonnie Gordon's Happenin' All Over Again during her soap stardom peak, received supportive messages from admirers. One said: "Stay strong beautiful soul positive vibes always," while another declared: "Sending you all the love and light."
A third wrote: "You started this journey with such sadness and fear, you probably still are, but you are growing and living it each day and seem to be able to break the smiles. These journeys are long and arduous but somehow you find that strength to show you can still smile and enjoy some small moments."
Another added: "I think the wonderful summer is helping too, smile laugh cry scream but keep the wins and dreams. Breast cancer sisters are doing it for themselves, stay amazing."
