'My leg isn't going to grow back': council tells one-legged amputee he 'might run Olympic marathons' to deny blue badge
Blue badge permits for hidden disabilities, as Nigel Ward, 71, was denied a renewal despite submitting photographs of his amputated leg and wheelchair to Norfolk County Council.Nigel Ward's amputated leg and wheelchair, the photographic evidence the King's Lynn pensioner submitted to Norfolk County Council — which has yet to tell him what proof would actually satisfy its requirements.
Norfolk County Council has twice refused to renew the blue badge of Nigel Ward, 71, a wheelchair-using amputee from King's Lynn who lost his left leg above the knee to blood clots on a cruise three years ago. A council worker told Ward he might possess a spring prosthetic allowing him to run Olympic marathons — despite Ward submitting photos of himself on one leg and in his wheelchair. Ward says his badge renewal is "critical" to daily independence and the situation is "immensely" stressful for him and his wife Gill.
Norfolk County Council also told Ward a letter from his GP would not count as sufficient medical evidence of his disability.
Ward broke his femur in a fall and says he has 'lost confidence' in his prosthetic, but is classed as 'independent' because his stump has healed.
'I'm genuinely disabled — I don't know where to turn,' Ward said, adding his car door must open fully for him to exit safely.
