I purchased a railway ticket but could not travel. I now need to send the tickets away for a refund, and need to give a reason for not traveling. Are there any reasons such as illness or bereavement which will be given preference with reguards to a refund or refusal.
No - the only reason that will give a refund where one is not otherwise due or waive the fee that is charged when one is due is that the train you were due to travel on was cancelled without alternative arrangements (eg later train) being offered.