Woman with MS 'spat at' for using Blue Badge

A woman who has multiple sclerosis (MS) has said she was spat at for using her Blue Badge.

Former GP Antje Ronneberger, 57, who lives near Bovey Tracey, Devon, was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2019.

Ronneberger said symptoms like balance problems, fatigue, vision issues meant people sometimes wrongly assumed she was drunk.

"I've had people saying I shouldn't use an accessible toilet. I've even been spat at by a person in a wheelchair because they did not think I should be using my Blue Badge," she said.

Ronneberger said she was "shouted" at when she got out of her car, without her walking stick, after parking in an accessible space outside of a department store in Devon which was 60ft (18m) away.

"Eventually he spat at me when I answered back.

"That was a horrible experience, it took me a long time to get over that and get out again."

Ronneberger said she could only walk up to 300ft (91m) without her stick.

She said she was angry following the incident because it had taken a while to get the Blue Badge as she questioned whether she should have one.

"It was other people who made me realise how many things I avoid doing because I don't have a Blue Badge, that's why it was really hurtful and I discussed it with other MS patients at a coffee morning..." Ronneberger said.

"It seems to be quite widespread which makes me feel even sadder."

"My walking problems do look a little bit like I was drunk, and that's what people thought of me when I was first diagnosed," said Ronneberger.

"It makes me feel down when I have to repeatedly explain to people that it's a lifelong condition and is incurable," she said.

"The medication just holds the progression but does not improve the symptoms."

Figures released from eight MS charities in MS Awareness Week suggest Ronnberger's experience is far from rare.

MS Society, MS Together, MS Trust, MS-UK, Overcoming MS, the Neuro Therapy Network, Shift.ms and Talks with MS said they asked more than 1,600 people living with MS in the UK about the impact of public misconceptions.

Almost half of people of those surveyed said they had been questioned about using accessible facilities, while more than half admitted avoiding them altogether because they feared being judged. One in four said that same fear had stopped them leaving the house.

Nick Moberly, chief executive of the MS Society, said more than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including an estimated 12,400 in the South West.

"It affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how you move, think and feel," he said.

"Right now, a lack of understanding around invisible and fluctuating conditions like MS is sadly driving hurtful behaviour, and real-life consequences - from being underestimated at work to being harassed for using an accessible parking space.

"Living with MS is tough enough, and this MS Awareness Week we encourage everyone to take some time to listen, learn, and understand MS a little better."

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