A cancer survivor with stomach issues was left humiliated after being refused access to a toilet at a city McDonald's.

Nathan Mannall, who has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), parks up in the city centre using his blue badge daily to drop his wife off for work.  

Then the 52-year-old visits the McDonald's restaurant in Hay Hill for a drink and to use the loo before he ventures off to work.  

Eastern Daily Press: Staff at the branch said they were not able to open the toilets until 8am Staff at the branch said they were not able to open the toilets until 8am (Image: Simon Finlay)

Nathan said: “I have health problems and I am in remission for bowel cancer, but I still work full-time.  

“I have to plan my day around stopping for the toilet – that is why I do a daily trip to McDonald's.”  

READ MORE: City composer's film up against Disney and Wes Anderson for Oscar nomination

Nathan says he never uses the toilet without buying something and that he has never had an issue at the branch before, but that changed at 7am on December 22.

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan says he feels embarrassed and will not return to the branch Nathan says he feels embarrassed and will not return to the branch (Image: Nathan Mannall)

He said: “I was in McDonald's for my usual morning drink when I suddenly needed the toilet, I got up to go to the downstairs disabled toilet, but it was occupied.  

“I rushed to the counter and explained to them I could not hold it and asked if they would let me upstairs.  

READ MORE: Another victim of 'egging' fumes after near miss with tree in city road

“They told me they are not allowed to open those toilets until 8am and that it was company policy due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. 

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan uses the branch daily after dropping his wife off Nathan uses the branch daily after dropping his wife off (Image: Simon Finlay)

“I would not have minded being escorted, but they would not budge. it felt like I was being laughed at.

"I had to drop my drink and just run to find the nearest toilet.” 

After the incident, Nathan returned to the restaurant to ask for an apology and made an official complaint.  

READ MORE: Woman appalled to be served 'gross' chicken TWICE by KFC

He said: “I was made to feel so small, and it worries me that they could do that to other people.” 

A McDonald’s spokeswoman said: “We are sorry to hear about this customer's experience.  

Eastern Daily Press: Nathan, 52, is in remission for bowel cancer and has IBS, he said because of this he is unable to wait Nathan, 52, is in remission for bowel cancer and has IBS, he said because of this he is unable to wait (Image: Nathan Mannall)

“We understand the disabled loo was occupied on this occasion and due to the upstairs of the restaurant being closed for cleaning, the customer was unable to access this space until safe to do so - in line with our health and safety policy.  

“We’d advise this customer to reach out to our Customer Services Team who can provide further support."