A MOTHER who has been given 48 hours to live three times today told how her love for her young son has kept her alive for Christmas.

Seven doctors told Marion Motupalli she would never see the festive season but a determination to spend the festive season with three-year-old Harry has fuelled her fight for life.

And with an attitude which is an inspiration to everyone, she is living by the motto: "If you can't fill your life with more days, fill your days with more life."

The 44-year-old, of The Dene, Beardwood, Blackburn, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January after months of unexplained weight gain resulted in the discovery of a tumour the size of a rugby ball.

Since doctors broke the devastating news, Marion, whose fight has been dubbed 'bravery beyond comprehension' by East Lancashire Hospice, has been determined to live life to the full and enjoy herself.

She said: "If it wasn't for Harry I think I would have dropped down and died by now.

"I have not told Harry I am going to die. He is too young to understand. It would be far too confusing, mainly because I keep being told I'm going to die and then I'm at home again.

"We tried the first time I was given 48 hours to live. We told him mummy was going to be a star in the sky.

"But I think he thought more along the lines that I was planning on a career as an astronaut!"

After being in the Blackburn hospice twice and returning home, Marion wants to dispel the myth that people only go to the hospice to die.

She said: "The hospice is fantastic. It's the little things that make it special such as the duck pond outside.

"This was particularly important for us because when Harry came to see me he would get excited about feeding the ducks and not upset about my illness."

The brave mother-of-four, who used to be a herbalist, has now swapped chemotherapy for retail therapy when she is not bedridden by operations aimed at extending her life.

Before her last operation, Marion went out to buy a loaf of bread from her local shop and returned with a Bentley car after having always longed to own one.

Marion said she is looking forward to spending Christmas day with her family. Her eldest son Paul, 21, Christopher, 19, and Rebecca, 23, will join her husband and Harry to exchange presents around her bed, where Marion will spend the day as she is weakened after an operation.

When it was discovered in January, the tumour was in its third stage of development -- with stage four having the least likely percentage of survival.

To remove it she also had to have her womb, ovaries, part of her small intestine and her bowel taken away.

But the tumour has wrapped itself around major arteries so can never be extracted in full without causing fatal bleeding.

At one point her weight fell to five stone and the operations have since caused complications such a septicaemia -- blood poisoning.

It was spotted by her husband, Murthy, a GP at Blackburn Road Medical Practice, Accrington, who Marion said has saved her life.

She said: "My other children are older and I have bought them all houses around Blackburn to make sure they are okay.

"My husband has been fantastic. I am so happily married. That makes it so much worse. I cry for about two hours every day. I can't believe it's happening."

Marion has planned her funeral to the last detail choosing songs from her favourite gospel artist Kirk Franklin and picking out a white coffin with silver handles.

But with everything now in place she is spending time appreciating life. She said: "It sounds like a cliche but you realise everything's worth more when you know you are dying. Even the leaves on the trees are greener.

"You don't ever get used to the idea of dying. I am convinced every day that someone is going to tell me there has been some great mistake.

"I keep saying if I eat enough blueberries I'll be fine. But deep down I know I'm not." Harry Grayson, from the Hospice said: "Marion is a truly remarkable lady. She is strong willed with a very positive mind and fighting spirit."

Marion has inspired other patients, staff and volunteers alike. She has shown bravery beyond comprehension."