Cheryl a Cheshire star
Name: Cheryl Simpson. Where do you live?: Poynton. Bio: I am a (nearly) 50-year-old mum of two young men with Autism/ Asperger’s and wife of a very wonderful and patient husband Rick. I am one of two founding members and CEO of Space4Autism, which was set up 12 years ago. What inspired you to do this?: When my youngest son was diagnosed at three-years-old with Autism and my eldest son subsequently diagnosed with Asperger’s, I found that there was no support for families in this area. After meeting with John McKellar, my co-founder member, we decided to set up our own support group. After a few years of meeting with parents at the Boarhound public house in Macclesfield we have grown into supporting over 500 member families in our own premises and run over 300 activities per year. What do you enjoy most about doing this?: Running Space4Autism enables me to help many families and individuals affected by the condition to find pathways and solutions to enrich their lives. I also meet lots of wonderful people. What are your greatest achievements?: Initially setting up Space4Autism from a few parents above a pub in Macclesfield to where it is today; helping to create an ASC specific school in East Cheshire; also through our membership we lobbied to secure a five-fold increase in funds for diagnosis, changing many people’s lives. We are now also working alongside the CCG and other agencies to develop the most comprehensive package of support for individuals with Autism in the North West. To my great surprise I have recently been nominated as Cheshire Woman of the Year! Any plans for the future?: We have so many plans for the future as we could (and will) do so much more for our families - this is going to include moving hopefully to bigger premises where we can join up with health, education, social and many more providers to make a hub in Macclesfield which will be a centre of excellence for Autism right on our doorstep. A key part of this will be enabling our members to find a route to employment. Where is your favourite place in Macclesfield?: Of course this is Space4Autism but I also love getting away from it all at The Park Tavern. Ideally how would you spend every day?: Having a balance of fulfilling my role as CEO for Space4Autism but having time to spend with my family and friends. What was the best holiday you have been on?: Taking our two boys to New Orleans fulfilling their lifelong ambition to see WWE. If money were no object what would you do?: Buy a building in Macclesfield that would be big enough to provide the space we need to run all the ideas that we have for Space4Autism to include workshops, café, sensory space, art rooms, garden, animal care and more. What one piece of advice would you give?: Never ever give up no matter how high the mountain! Who is your biggest inspiration?: My two sons who have both had their problems when they were younger but have grown into two wonderful young men and have never let their ASC get in the way of fulfilling their dreams. Who would you like to invite to dinner?: Sir David Attenborough – he’s just the most amazing and knowledgeable man. ISpace4Autism 1b Lowe St, Macclesfield, Cheshire, Sk11 7NJ. www.space4autism.com Facebook: Space4autism Also contact: info.space@ hotmail.com