What would you do?

jenzie06

I met up with my hypochondriac friend and found out that yes she does have some medical problems unfortunately for her, which I feel very sorry. But I've been struggling with a bit of a dilemma.

She told me that she has a blue badge but is doing a 10 mile run in a couple of months time. Her reasoning is that 'you have to keep doing the things you enjoy to make life worthwhile' and in principle I totally agree with this. However, the point is that I would love to be able to run 10miles but physically can't. In fact I tried rushing to answer the phone today, hurt my feet and missed the phone call!

This blatant misuse of the badge has been bugging me. Do I report it and who to or do I ignore it and just feel sorry for her and her desperate need to have something wrong with her?

joanlawson

Hi Jen

That is a dilemma, but I wonder how she got her blue badge in the first place :?: She certainly doesn't qualify if she can run that distance :!: :shock: You said that she does have some genuine medical problems though. I'm not sure what I would do in the circumstances, but it is very annoying when some people who need a badge get turned down.

speedalong

Hi Jenzie - 10 mile run eh???

Does she use her blue badge all the time? Or does she have bad days and just use it then and what are her bad days like? Have you talked to her about it? Have you told her how hard it is for you when all the disabled spaces are taken ...

Does she really park in a gold-dust disabled parking space and then sprint off to do a practise run??

I'm sure the booklet that came with mine has a number on it for reporting missuse of the badge, if you decide to report her.

Speedy

roses1

Hi Jenzie,

how good a friend is she?

Its wrong that she has a blue badge as it is clear that she can walk....
Run 10 MILES !!!!!! You not supposed to be able to, or have difficulty with walking ! that is why you need the blue badge. How annoying would it be to see some one like that take the last disabled space when you genuinely need it because you are in so much pain with every step!!! and you need to get in the shop for your meds.

Bit dramatic but this happens to someone every day , hmmm it is your call! :shock:


Rose x

trisher

Jenz

Your friend, if she really does have some complaints that warrant her having a Badge?

Could it be wishful thinking that she could run this far? Have you any other friends who know about this or you could talk to about it.

If she really could run this far then she should not have a Blue Badge. Today they are so tough about issuing them her doctor would have had to sign it.

It is a tough decision for you to make but friends should not have one without being truthful.

Trish xx

snowball

Hi Jenz On the news the other week was a man who had been videod doing a marathon and was claiming disability benefits and had a blue badge. I am sorry you have been put in this situation, its probably the last thing you need. If you do report her I think it is done anonymously.

Julie x

ninakang

Report her. I wouldn't hesitate. In fact, I often accost people who park in the disabled bays without badges, makes me SO angry.

Nx

frogmorton

Oh Jen

poor you

Is she running it?

Last year I did the 5k one for breast cancer race for life. I did not 'run' it. A lot dont. I did it as my very good friend's husband had just died of cancer to support her.

Mind you I dont have a blue badge either even though there are times when I need one!!

Would I shop her? No not yet I would observe her use of it for a bit and if I think she is def misusing it I think I would have to.

Whatevr you do dont get in the car with her if she uses it an is ok - dont be part of it will you? Use your own :shock:

Love

Toni xx

Ps I am sorry she has put you in this position

angel1

I would advise caution here Jen, before actually taking any action. There are medical conditions which can leave one totally debilitated for a time, then go into remission for a time. I would have thought, as a friend, she would have told you about this though. Also, she may be exaggerating the ten mile "run". My neighbour just did one, and walked most of the way, stopping regularly.

If you feel brave enough, why not ask her how she qualified for the Badge...........Ange.

frogmorton

[about this though. Also, she may be exaggerating the ten mile "run". My neighbour just did one, and walked most of the way, stopping regularly.

That was me last year Ange doing the race for life - no way did I race

Love

Toni xx

jenzie06

Thanks for the replies guys. It is a tricky one. I wouldn't want anyone looking at me and thinking that I'm abusing the system. But I hate the idea of someone using a badge when they don't need it especially as I've had such grief from some ignorant members of the public when I've had to use mine.
Her medical problems (stomach/fertility stuff) are difficult and horrid for her but she will insist that she can't do things like stairs or buttons on clothing and will then go windsurfing or cycling. Normally I wouldn't be so cynical but I've seen her fibbing for myself. She claimed to have a terrible bad back but when she thought she was on her own she walked normally and bent over, as soon as she was around people she walked like she had a broom handle up her bottom. I just wish she was happy in her life and didn't feel the need to make things up. I feel sorry for her.

I think I will do a bit more deliberating before I make a decision.

frogmorton

Wise move Jen

wise move.

Just dont get in her car with her and her blue badge eh?

You will know what to do in time - I beleive that.

Not heard of anyone getting a badge for fertility/stomach issues before :shock:

Love

Toni xx

ichabod6

Stop beating yourself up and leave it alone.

ninakang

I have to disagree with Ichy and stick to my post. It's people like this who abuse the system and makes things up who are partly responsible for:

(a) the cuts in benefits
(b) the authorities being more cynical when someone in need makes a genuine claim
(c) giving the genuinely disabled people a bad name

I would still shop her. From what you say, she is NOT ill enough to warrant a blue badge. I'm registered disabled and could apply for a blue badge by slightly exaggerating my difficulties in walking long distances but I don't because it's WRONG.

Nx

ichabod6

This is for Jenzie

You cant get guidance from the posters on here. Each has
his/her opinion.
The decision is yours and you must decide soon.
Think of yourself and no one else.
If you cant make a decision now walk away from it.
As I said before dont beat yourself up.