Margaret Taylor, aged 84, was still reeling after being told by her doctor she had terminal cancer. She broke the news to pal William James, who pulled into Broomhill rooftop car park so they could get some air.

He left it in a disabled bay with Margaret's blue badge on display. Twenty minutes later they left, but a week later he got a £60 ticket – blue badges do not allow free stays in off-road car parks.

Excel refused to waive the charge and William's sorrow turned to anger.

William, aged 61, of Sandygate Grove, Sandygate, Sheffield said: "It was a terrible time and I didn't realise we should have paid 60p. But to be hit with a £60 fine is outrageous.

"There's no sign by the disabled bay. There are three other signs in the car park, but the blue badge rule is buried in the small print."

ACTION

EXCEL Parking has a very hard business head – but it might also have a heart.

Martyn Attwood, Excel technical director, said although the ticket was correctly issued there were compassionate grounds for the appeal.

He said: "If Mr James pays £60 to Weston Park Hospital, we will match that donation and consider the matter closed."

Weston Park in Broomhill Sheffield is one of only three dedicated cancer hospitals in the UK.

Mr Attwood said it was Excel's nominated charity and the firm had raised thousands for cancer care.