A RESTAURANT chain has apologised to a terminally-ill cancer patient from Wirral left in tears after staff refused to acknowledge her medical card.

Lynn Deer, diagnosed with stomach cancer in April, visited Toby Carvery at Arrowe Park on Sunday with son Marcel.

The 73-year-old, from Pensby, carries a medical card from the Oesophageal Patients Association, which she can show to restaurant staff to avoid embarrassment.

It reads: 'Due to a medical condition I am unable to eat normal portions of food. Please provide me with a child's size portion.'

Mrs Deer told the Globe that she took the card out to immediately to show the carvery manager, who simply refused to look at it.

Recalling the humiliating experience, she said: "It's the first time I've had a problem with it. Twice I tried to show her card and she said 'I don't need to read a card as children’s meals are only for 12 years and under'.

"I've had the majority of my stomach removed, so I physically can't eat large amounts of food and it distresses me when there's a lot of food put in front of me.

"Me and Marcel went up to the carvery and I had maybe six spoonfuls of mash and gravy."

Lynn had an operation to remove the large tumour in her stomach and underwent chemotherapy - but the chemo didn't work and Lynn is now in palliative care.

Recalling the restaurant incident, she continued: "It is not about money or free meals.

"I want this policy changed and told the area manager this. He said he would speak to head office as out of his hands.

"There was a couple sitting next to us who thought her behaviour appalling. This lady also had a different type of cancer.

"When I mentioned this to the manager she said well they left me a tip.

"I replied 'this isn't about the food or the place it is your unkind attitude to embarrass people'."

A spokesperson for Toby Carvery said: "We offer a serve yourself style carvery, so guests can choose how much or how little goes on their plate.

"We'd like to apologise to Lynn as it was never our intention to cause her any upset.

"We have taken her feedback and will be discussing this with the restaurant team."