TO everyone who was waiting at St Helens Hospital ophthalmology department the other Tuesday: I’m sorry.

I’m sorry my daughter was screaming. I’m sorry she was in pain.

I’m sorry she was upset at her third hospital appointment in two days.

To everyone who tutted and harrumphed, believe me when I say we are doing everything we can to get our daughter out of pain.

Your disapproval was noted, but frankly before you judge us, or anyone else whose child isn’t happy in a waiting room, understand that the people you judge are doing everything they can.

I truly hope you never have to go through what we and others like us are going through.

Next time, don’t be so hasty.

You are in a position where you can make our lives a little easier, or you can increase the suffering we go through.

You chose to increase the pain in our lives.

Similarly, to everyone who sees us parking in a disabled bay, and looks us up and down, we park there because we have a blue badge.

We haven’t stolen it. We aren’t using it fraudulently.

If you believe you can diagnose someone’s condition across a car park visually, please contact the NHS.

Your magical powers would be of great help.

There are many conditions that entitle you to a blue badge that do not involve wheelchairs or walking sticks.

Chris Atkins, address supplied