Stranger leaves heartwarming note and donation to Sheffield NHS worker hit with parking fine

Ryan Radford, who works at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, returned to his car after his shift on Monday (21 December) to find out he had been fined for parking in the wrong space.

But underneath the ticket was an envelope with a handwritten message from a member of the public containing a donation towards the cost of the ticket.

The note read: “I’m really sorry to see you have got a parking ticket, not what anyone needs just before Xmas!

"I also saw the NHS permit – thank you for everything you and your colleagues are doing this year! I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas!”

It continued: “P.S. I only had this much on me but I hope it helps a little.”

Ryan remained tight-lipped on the amount donated but said it was “more than enough” to cover the fine.

Parking fines issued by Sheffield City Council’s traffic wardens can be as costly as £70.

Ryan posted on Facebook: “Just goes to show there is still some decent people out there in this world.”

Dozens of people commented underneath his post to praise the “tremendous” act of kindness.

One person wrote: “[It] shows you even with all this going on in the world there’s still people with a good heart pulling together and doing good deeds.”

Ryan told The Star: “I'm truly overwhelmed by the response I've received from my Facebook post.

“I am extremely grateful for the generosity of this stranger and if I could, I would like to thank them personally.”

While he admitted he was parked incorrectly on this occasion, Ryan said parking for staff at the hospital remains “very limited and something needs to change to accommodate those staff that have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic.”

NHS workers previously complained about 'ridiculous' parking fines being issued to them but the local authority said it was right to take action in cases where parking permits are not valid.