In her memory

Lynda
Young Spiro

A life lived in colour Bold, brilliant and unforgettable
Lynda Young Spiro, arms wide open in front of a vivid mural

You couldn't help but notice Lynda Young Spiro when she walked into a room. She was a vision of colour and pattern from top to toe — unique, expressive and entirely herself.

That outward sense of style reflected who she was: bold, forthright, authentic and very funny. She was also warm, soft and kind, completely loyal to the people she loved and one of the most generous people you could ever meet.

Lynda was deeply creative throughout her life — always making, designing, painting, crafting or writing, always finding an outlet for her ideas. She published her first novel and was working on her second when her life took an unexpected turn.

Even after her diagnosis, her creativity continued. It remained a source of focus, meaning and fulfilment, and became part of how she chose to live with honesty, courage and purpose. This website celebrates Lynda, the story behind the book, and the generosity and spirit that continue her legacy.

The Book

The Story of the Book

In the years leading up to 2024, Lynda was writing a novel — shaping her story and characters, working with an editor and looking for a publisher. Then came the diagnosis.

At first there was an urgency to finish the novel. Then came the realisation that this was no longer where her heart wanted to be.

"I wouldn't have chosen this diagnosis but I can definitely choose how to live my life with cancer."

Inspired by the format of a simple postcard, she invited people she knew — and some she had only just met — to respond to a cancer diagnosis through writing, drawing or painting.

Gathered together and curated through her love of colour, pattern and texture, those anonymous responses became Cancer Confessions.

Front Cover
Front cover of Cancer Confessions by Lynda Young Spiro
Back Cover
Back cover of Cancer Confessions
Behind the Scenes

The Team

Every Tuesday, a small team gathered around Lynda's kitchen table. There was tea, cake and laughter — and Lynda at the heart of it all, instinctively curating the book from cover to cover.

The art team gathered around Lynda's kitchen table
The team met every Tuesday around Lynda's kitchen table.

Tuesday kitchen table

The Tuesday sessions became the creative engine of the book. Lynda brought her painter's eye and her instinct for what belonged together — and the team brought energy, ideas and affection.

Paintings, textiles, clothes, stamps and colour fragments all became part of the visual framework. Nothing was off the table — literally.

This section gives you a small window into the warmth, materials and playful experimentation that shaped the finished book.

The team painting together

Painting together

Paint palette, stamps and art materials

Ladybirds, stamps & fragments

Pens, tape and painted cards

Pens, tape & painted cards

Buy the Book

Cancer Confessions

Postcards in response to a diagnosis.

A deeply personal and visually striking collection of postcards, artwork and reflections, brought together through Lynda's creativity, honesty and generosity.

All proceeds go to charity.
All proceeds from the book will go to Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, St. John's Hospice London and other cancer charities Lynda supported over the years.
£10 per copy

+ postage, added at checkout.

Secure payment via Stripe. UK and international shipping available.

The team looking through the finished book
The team looking through the finished book.
A Glimpse Inside

A Glimpse Inside

A few pages to draw you in — just enough to give a sense of the beauty, honesty and range within.

The Can Do Haiku
The Can Do Haiku.
To You — fatigue fatigue fatigue
To You / fatigue fatigue fatigue.
LOVE postcard
LOVE.
My head is like a washing machine
My head is like a washing machine.
I have Cancer — cancer doesn't HAVE ME
I have Cancer… cancer doesn't HAVE ME!
Don't write me off yet
Don't write me off yet!
Get in Touch

Contact Us

Whether you'd like to order a copy, find out more about the book, or simply share your thoughts — we'd love to hear from you.

About the book

Cancer Confessions was created in memory of Lynda Young Spiro — a deeply personal collection of postcards, artwork and reflections in response to a cancer diagnosis.

All proceeds go to Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, St. John's Hospice London and other cancer charities Lynda supported over the years.

Follow us on Instagram
@cancerconfessionsbook

Thank you for getting in touch — we'll get back to you soon. 🌸