I just got back from our weekly trip to Asda with Marta. We nearly always do our big weekly shop on a friday, but unusually Lyn stayed home today, having work to do. She had been asked by our friend Gemma to write something of her early life, and took the opportunity to get it written before the hectic weekend ahead of us. She just asked me to proof-read it before she sent it to Gemma. As soon as I started reading, a shiver went down my spine: I won’t go into detail, but it was a hellish description of life in the old institutions. My bottom lip shot out, and I gave Lyn a hug.

Things have changed, thank smeg. The person they once forced to polish stones in silence, hour after hour, has become a truly remarkable woman. Lyn is one of the strongest, kindest, funniest people I’ll ever know. The silence as broken forever by Lyn’s music, glorious and resonant; proof of the folly of the old ways. May everyone hear it loud and clear! Now, if you’ll excuse me, Lyn just put Radio Caroline on – Time to rock!