Cheryl inadvertently co-founded Space4Autism alongside John McKellar in 2005. As a parent of two children with autism, Cheryl was empowered by a desire for change. She became part of a public meeting hosted by John McKellar and the Crossroads organisation to gauge demand for a social skills club for children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition.

After around 40 parents and carers turned up, Cheryl volunteered at the end of the session to help set up a monthly support group which would eventually become Space4Autism. Her role began by contacting local pubs and venues to host the monthly catch-up meetings and from Oct 2005 Space was born.

Starting with a once a month meeting at The Board Hound Pub in Macclesfield, the organisation has grown considerably over the years into an organisation that now supports over 7,500 members with a range of activities for autistic children, young people, adults and their families.

Today, Space4Autism is one of Cheshire East’s largest charitable concerns.

In 2018 Space4Autism was recognised for the Queens award for voluntary service

In 2019 Space4Autism was entered in the Parliamentary Review for best practice

In 2021, Cheryl was recognised in The New Year’s Honours List and awarded an MBE for her services to autism and the community.