Mum dying of cancer writes birthday cards and wraps gifts for kids for years to come
A MUM dying of cancer has written Christmas and birthday cards and wrapped presents for her kids for years to come.
Doctors gave Jo Devereux, 44, six months when her breast disease spread last summer.
The Newcastle single mother has no close relatives so eldest Erin, 17, will become “mum” to Liam, 11, and Lily, nine.
And ever since medics delivered the devastating news that her illness was terminal Jo has been preparing the youngsters for life without her.
Erin, set to audition for The X Factor, is planning for school runs by taking driving lessons, paid for by fundraisers at the local Blakelaw Juniors FC.
Jo has wrapped presents for the kids to open on their birthdays and Christmas Day for years to come and she has arranged for their council house in Newcastle to be transferred into Erin’s name.
She has always written out a long list of instructions so her eldest knows how to cope with the paperwork that adults normally take care of.
Jo said: “I have presents for the children and have written birthday cards up to age 30.
“I am also constantly writing down phone numbers and information I think they might need in emergencies.
"I was told last July I had six months left, so I am living on borrowed time. It doesn't feel real.
"All I am focused on now is trying to make sure the children will be able to cope without me, and enjoying the last of the precious time we have together."
As well as looking after her younger siblings, Erin will take care of the family dogs – four-year-old Shitzu Prince and eight-year-old Labrador, Wilson.
Former hairdresser Jo added: "It's a lot for someone of Erin's age to cope with but I know she will be fine.
“I simply do not know what me and the kids would have done without Erin. She is my saviour.
"I look in my children's eyes and I know they are second to none. I am the proudest mam alive."
Jo split with Erin’s dad when the tot was three and she has no relationship with the dad of her youngest two.
She was also estranged from her own parents after an unhappy childhood of her own.
She recently got back in touch with her own dad and Erin’s father and hopes they may provide some support after she has gone.
The family has a gofundme.com appeal.
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