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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what disability a person could have

378 replies

Margomyhero · 13/03/2018 17:22

to park outside the gym and run 30 minutes on the treadmill?

I am genuinely curious about this one.

I got out of my car and parked in a car park near the leisure centre. It's a LOT cheaper than the car park in the leisure centre grounds. As I locked up and headed towards the leisure centre I saw a young man park in the disabled space and get out and go the same way as me.

He went on the treadmill and ran for 30 minutes. I know that as I was doing the same.

So - before I judge him unfairly what disability which warrants a blue badge could this man have which would allow him to run for 30 minutes - after sprinting up the 2 flights of stairs to get there?

Was he a genuine recipient of disabled space parking or was he just avoiding paying the charge (which by the way is 5p for the first hour ).

OP posts:
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6
FifiVoldemortsChavvyCousin · 13/03/2018 17:23

Some come and go.

Shockers · 13/03/2018 17:23

Did he have a blue badge?

FifiVoldemortsChavvyCousin · 13/03/2018 17:23

He could have artificial legs even.

DietCokeGirrrrrl · 13/03/2018 17:23

It's really impossible to say. You would have to have intimate details of his medical history! Did he have a blue badge?

fleshmarketclose · 13/03/2018 17:24

Ds has a blue badge and can run like the wind,theoretically he could go to the gym. He has autism oneof many hidden disabilities HTH

LagunaBubbles · 13/03/2018 17:24

Why would you even judge, Im sure you know full well not every disability is visible? And not every disability affects physical movement either. Hmm

Original poster
Margomyhero · 13/03/2018 17:25

Yes blue badge in the car.

He didn't appear to have artificial legs - seemed to take the stairs and do the running without any different movements.

OP posts:
LagunaBubbles · 13/03/2018 17:25

He could have a stoma bag for example. Doesnt affect legs.

PurpleDaisies · 13/03/2018 17:25

There are all sorts of disabilities that aren’t the same every day, MS for example.

Blue badges are bloody hard to get so if he had one, it’s pretty much going to be for a genuine disability.

Sirzy · 13/03/2018 17:25

Some disabilities vary day on day.

He could have artificial limbs

MrsJayy · 13/03/2018 17:26

I have no idea did he have a blue badge? Btw have you not seen the paralympics disabled people running and whatnot

ConstantReminder · 13/03/2018 17:26

Could be following an exercise programme recommended by doctor. Not all disabilities stop you running.

Original poster
Margomyhero · 13/03/2018 17:26

Laguna - this is why I ask.

I would assume that to get a blue badge a person must have some physical impairment which makes it harder for them to walk to the venue - hence parking closer.

OP posts:
TheJoyOfSox · 13/03/2018 17:28

Watch the Paralympics, disabled doesn’t automatically mean crippled.
Jonny Peacock took part in Strictly last year, he did so well you really couldn’t tell he only has one leg.

SharronNeedles · 13/03/2018 17:28

I have an artificial leg. You wouldn't know unless I pulled up my trouser leg.
I know my limits with it. So for example if I ran for 30 minutes my leg would ache but I could still drive. May struggle to walk too far. More noticeable with movements after I've used it for a long time or trained at the gym.

feathermucker · 13/03/2018 17:28

My friend has terminal cancer and is a blue badge holder.

On a good day, she could possibly manage what you've described this man did.

It isn't any of your busineds; you realise that?

Sockwomble · 13/03/2018 17:29

Impairment doesn't need to be physical. Mobility isn't only about being able to walk.

tiggytape · 13/03/2018 17:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Margomyhero · 13/03/2018 17:30

Okay. I hadn't considered some of the reasons you have given.

I know that it is hard to get a Blue Badge .

OP posts:
notacooldad · 13/03/2018 17:30

He could have cancer.

bobstersmum · 13/03/2018 17:30

I used to work in a team that supported a girl with autism, personality disorder, anger issues to name just a few, she had a disabled badge even though she could've outrun Linford Christie and knocked seven bells out of Ricky Hatton. The reason being that if we were stuck for very long trying to find a space, or even out in the community very long, it would cause a meltdown and endanger not only her but us and the public, but as also not fair to keep her locked up!

notacooldad · 13/03/2018 17:31

I see feather posted before me!

DontDrinkDontSmoke · 13/03/2018 17:31

Or it’s not his badge. Plenty of people abuse the system.

LagunaBubbles · 13/03/2018 17:31

I would assume that to get a blue badge a person must have some physical impairment which makes it harder for them to walk to the venue - hence parking closer.

Well you assume wrong then. Seriously you thought this?

PuppyMonkey · 13/03/2018 17:32

Does hearing loss count towards a blue badge maybe? I have no idea.