Devoted mum fighting cancer determined to leave touching keepsakes for son

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A devoted mum who is fighting terminal cancer is leaving a heartbreaking keepsake for her nine-year-old son by writing him a card for every birthday until he turns 21.As brave Nicola McCormack, 44, comes to terms with the fact that she will miss out on seeing young James grow up, she is determined to make as many memories with her son while she can.The birthday cards and a teddy with a recording of her voice will serve as constant reminders of her love and dedication.Nicola, from Renton, was diagnosed with stage four terminal stomach cancer last month - with medics telling her that they don’t know how much longer she has left.She went to hospital just before Christmas with stomach issues but was sent home with anti-sickness tablets.After losing almost nine stones and being unable to keep food down, she was rushed back to hospital last month as her symptoms worsened and tests confirmed cancer in her stomach which had started to spread to her bones and other organs.Her close friends and family rallied round her and cousin Margaret Ann Stewart launched a fundraiser to help Nicola make as many memories as possible for James.The response from the local community has been overwhelming and they have so far raised more than £4000 for the family; allowing them to go on holiday, organise a professional photoshoot and buy the teddy bear with Nicola’s voice for James.Nicola has also put the money towards the birthday cards for her son until he turns 21, to make sure she continues to be present in some way as he reaches adulthood.Speaking to the Lennox, Nicola said: “Telling James was very hard.“He knew I had cancer, but he didn’t know how serious it now was.“I sat him next to me and said ‘you know mum’s not well, you know mum’s got