Lynda
Young Spiro
A life lived in colour
Bold, brilliant and unforgettable
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 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.
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.
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.
Painting together
Ladybirds, stamps & fragments
Pens, tape & painted cards
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 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.
+ postage, added at checkout.
Secure payment via Stripe. UK and international shipping available.
A Glimpse Inside
A few pages to draw you in — just enough to give a sense of the beauty, honesty and range within.
