A MUM has been told she will not live to see her four-year-old twins grow up.
Vicki Haley, 40, was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer in May last year.
She underwent surgery, which appeared to have worked, but the cancer then spread to her spine.
Now, doctors have told her she will not survive, giving her just one to two years to live.
But brave Vicki, of Anlaby, says she is determined to make her final months special for her twins – and stay as positive as she can through the arduous ordeal.
Vicki, of Anlaby, said: "I was absolutely devastated when I found out and couldn't bear the thought of not being there for my twins.
"But I want to create as many happy memories for them as I can."
Since her terminal diagnosis, Vicki has started creating personalised memory boxes as mementoes for her children to treasure forever.
She said: "I am writing a diary which provides them with advice about school, dating and jobs.
"I am also planning to take them to the beach and the park for a picnic.
"I have been told the cancer will eventually spread to my brain, so I want to do as many things as possible before I physically can't."
The family have just returned from a holiday in Disneyland Paris.
Vicki said: "It was such a fantastic week.
"The twins dressed up in magical costumes and really loved meeting Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.
"I get tired very easily, so I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the holiday.
"But it was worth every second of it."
Vicki – who has asked us not to name her children – is hosting an event today for her family and friends to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
She said the charity had given her "unbelievable support" during treatment at Castle Hill Hospital.
She said: "The support I have received from Macmillan has been amazing and their nurses are a breed of their own.
"They are constantly smiling and always have time for you.
"They have also been a great help in preparing my twins for the inevitable."
Today's fundraising event is part of Macmillan's "Big Night In" campaign, which encourages cancer patients to get together with friends, in a comfortable setting, to have fun and raise money. It is being held in Vicki's friend Sara Sutton's home.
Sara, co-owner of Kitchens By Design in Boothferry Road, said: "It's bound to be an amazing evening.
"About 80 people are coming and there will be food and drink.
"There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses."
Vicki, who separated from the twins' father three years ago, is set to have weekly sessions of chemotherapy to prolong her life.
She said: "I try to be upbeat about things, but I have my moments.
"My main focus is the twins.
"They know Mummy's a bit poorly in her back and arm, but that's all.
"I know the chemotherapy won't help me survive, but it will give me precious extra time with them."
To donate to Macmillan, call 0300 1000 200, or for support, call 0808 8080 000.
• On our new site hulldailymail.co.uk Vicki Haley tells of her determination to make the most of the time she has left with her twin children
