Update: 1800 hrs 25.8

Mr Thompson contacted YH and confirmed that Euro Car Parks have written to him and cancelled the ticket.

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A BOWEL cancer sufferer seems to have won the day after Sainsbury’ pledge to cancel his £90.00 parking ticket.

On July 27th, Barry Thompson parked at the Sainsbury Supermarket. By his own admission, Barry over stayed the permitted three hour limit by 13 minutes.

Barry wrote to the car park owner, Euro Car Parks and in his appeal let them know that the reason for his overstay was due to his condition.

His appeal was rejected. Frustrated, Barry went onto social media and asked people to share the story of his plight.

Barry said: “I sincerely hope the members of the board that considered the evidence never has to face what I face, on a daily basis”.

But then in stepped Harlow councillor Ian Beckett, who with the support of several members of the Harlow community appealed to Sainsbury’s better nature.

He was followed by Harlow Paralympian and disability rights campaigner, Anne Wafula-Strike who recently fought a national campaign centred upon access to toilet facilities.

Soon after, Harlow MP, Robert Halfon also pledged to speak to Sainsbury’s.

On Thursday afternoon, common sense prevailed as Sainsbury’s announced, via their Twitter account that “the parking charge had been cancelled”.

Bush Fair councillor, Ian Beckett said: “Sometimes, social media can be a force for good. Well done to everyone who helped Sainsbury’s and Euro Parks make the right decision.”

YH spoke to Mr Thompson. He said: “That is very nice of Sainsbury’s but they are not responsible for the car park. I will wait to receive official conformation from Euro Car Parks.”