A mother who knew she was dying from terminal cancer in 2013, wrote future birthday cards for her four-year old son until his 21^st birthday until she died just before the New Year. Rowena Darby, who was 34-years old when she passed away, wanted to leave her son Freddie a lasting memory of their life and love together, and decided to pen a card for every occasion she would miss for her little boy. The card collection is stocked with annual Christmas and birthday cards, with letters written to mark his graduation and wedding day. As well as the cards, Rowena filmed a series of family videos for Freddie following her diagnosis in 2013, hoping they will help him deal with the pain of losing a parent so young. Speaking about his late-wife, Rowena’s husband Phil Darby paid tribute to his wife saying: “Rowena always stood out from the crowd. She was brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous not to mention very intelligent. “She shone and her presence made other people shine. Being with her taught me so much more about myself than I already knew.” The incredible mother of one was believed to have embraced her illness, and told family she felt ‘lucky’ should could prepare for her death. Speaking to the Mirror earlier this year, Rowena said: "When I die it's going to be awful for my family but at least they know it's going to happen and because of this we've had the best quality time together beforehand." Her husband Phil added: "We can only hope that the memories created are embedded in Freddie's mind and that in looking back on pictures and videos and special items Rowena has left for him, he will have some recall of his memories which will demonstrate to him just how much she adored him. "She was an amazing mum. I always knew she would be." She celebrated her last Christmas with her family in early December, even inviting Santa to stop by so she could share the moment with her son. Rowena died on December 29^th in her local hospice in Bolton. Lead image via Mirror UK