'Autism charity helped me become a better version of myself'

A teenager who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of five, said a charity which gave her a "safe space" to play and "be accepted" has helped set her up for the future.

Kellie Cunningham,16, said Your Space, based in Llay, Wrexham, which runs after school and holiday clubs, had built her confidence so much that she now helps new children attending.

Founder Rachel Hancocks said keeping the services going a "constant battle" especially when they were now "needed more than ever".

Wrexham striker and Your Space patron Paul Mullin, whose son is autistic, said he was "proud" to be involved, adding that though there was now more awareness, there needed to be "full acceptance" of autism.

Kellie said being able to take part in activities like swimming, climbing and roller skating while making "loads of friends", was only part of the story of her 11 year connection with the charity.

It also supported her and her mum when her dad died from cancer when she was 8 years old, and helped advocate for Kellie's special educational needs.

She was now about to start a two-year college course.

"The help they've given us is massive," said Kellie.

"Now I've grown up, I've learned a lot of stuff, I've gone through mistakes. Now I'm a better version of myself. You can always come here, they're really nice."

Kellie's mum, Alex Cunningham, said the charity had been "a lifeline" for both her and her daughter.

"I dread to think what would have happened if she had no school and no social [life]. This is so inclusive, it's brought her out of herself. You can't put a price on it.

"There's more and more children who need this help," she added.

A huge bonus for devoted Wrexham football fan Kellie is the involvement of Paul Mullin, who became an ambassador for Your Space in 2023 after revealing his son Albi's diagnosis.

Mullin said he had been approached by many charities after signing for Wrexham, with his profile growing following the Hollywood takeover, but was "over the moon" to get involved with a local autism charity because of his personal connection and for the "phenomenal work" they do.

"I see how they help families... they do their best to cater for all, and they provide that extra bit of security."

He added that he knew he was in a "fortunate position" and wanted to keep putting his influence to "good effect".

"People are more aware [of autism], that's fantastic... that's the ultimate aim.

"I want to raise as much awareness around the world as possible, and acceptance. I just want it to be accepted as normal."

He also paid tribute to fellow Wrexham player James McClean who revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with autism.

"The more people that talk about it, the better," he added.

Rachel Hancocks said things had changed somewhat since she launched the charity in 2013, but agreed that more awareness and acceptance was needed more than a decade on.

The charity has more than 240 children and young people registered, many travelling to Wrexham from as far as Gwynedd and Conwy, but she said financial struggles in the charity sector meant it was "under stress", sometimes operating "month by month".

But she added they were undeterred.

"There's a lot of holes in support - waiting lists are going up for diagnosis. We are needed more than ever. As long as there is a need we'll keep fighting.

"So many people rely on us. We'll never give up."