Buckinghamshire mum’s new support venture seeks to cut out costly legal bills

Cheryl Thornley has created Puzzle Piece Law as an ‘affordable legal advisory service’ aimed at people who do not qualify for legal aid and those cannot afford expensive solicitors fees.

The new service, based in Milton Keynes, will look to help residents in Aylesbury and the surrounding area.

Cheryl, who also served for 20 years with the police, said: “Many issues can be resolved when you have the right information and understanding of your rights, entitlements and the law, without ever stepping foot in a tribunal or court.

“In the current climate, people are really suffering and need to know where they can find the right support.

“With charities at breaking point, this will hopefully give them another option to get the help they need.”

During her time in the police service, Cheryl worked on a number of serious investigations with detectives in Domestic and Child Abuse departments, giving her first-hand experience of the difficulties people face obtaining legal support.

In addition, Cheryl, who has a child with profound learning difficulties, has already written successful legal challenges for issues affecting young people in the disabled community such as school transport and the withdrawal of short break vouchers.

She said that during the Covid lockdown, the charity Refuge had reported a 700 per cent rise in calls to its domestic abuse helpline.

Cheryl added:: “I hope that by providing more affordable advice to victims, that they will be able to get the support and advice they need to restart a safe and secure life in future.”