Hi Scarlett, how shocking!!! and awful for you. The times I've been ill and not been able to make it to the library, a doctor's note sufficed to cancel the charges. Surely they will accept this for you. As other posters have said, there should be some support at the Uni for you - students' union, personal tutor/postgraduate tutor? I'd gather all the support I could and try and get the fines cancelled. Good luck, I wish I could offer more support.