Natasha said she had “lived in fear of the police coming to my door with bad news”.
“This fear became reality on the evening of 11 May and the world of myself, and Ayrton’s 10-year-old brother, then fell apart.”
She added: “We are trying to have just 1% of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him.
“I am very grateful for all the tributes, messages and support from those who knew Ayrton and from strangers.”
She added that her son had been due to receive a bravery award days after his death.
He was a former pupil at Churston Ferrers Grammar School and joined Torquay Air Cadets at the age of 12.
At 17, he enlisted in the RAF before travelling overseas.
The FCDO advises against all travel to large parts of Ukraine, including Donetsk.
