Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw was left in tears after missing a vital cancer appointment because she could not find a parking space at the hospital.
Taking to her Instagram story, the actress, who is continuing her battle against cancer, explained that she had arrived early for the appointment at Royal Berkshire Hospital but was unable to park.
Missed appointment due to parking
In an emotional video, 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.”
She added that she had been driving around the car park for 45 minutes despite arriving early. She said the advice she was given was to park on the road, but she felt the likelihood of finding a space there was slim.
“Everyone who knows or comes to Royal Berkshire, knows there’s a real problem for finding a space. 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 [Tracy’s son] gone back to Uni now,” she said.
She also recalled a previous occasion when she was late for chemotherapy by 45 minutes due to parking problems.
Later update and campaign idea
Later, in a second Instagram story, Tracy appeared in higher spirits and confirmed that the appointment did not go ahead. She explained that she had arrived half an hour early and had driven around three floors of the car park, trying to wait for a space to become available.
She said: “The appointment was the first appointment of the day, so I was like: ‘this is not going to be a problem, I’ll just arrive early, go in, get a coffee and hang around, I’ll just get there early’ It wasn’t to be today, it just wasn’t to be.”
She also floated an idea she had received from a follower: “So I’ve had one great suggestion, how about a campaign for cancer patients to either have a badge or have car parking spaces? No, it’ll never be enough, but it’s a start. What do you think?”
She thanked everyone who had sent messages of support, saying: “I’m just so grateful for you guys. You’re amazing.”
