YORK mum Allison Williams today jetted out to America - hoping she would soon be reunited with her son.

Allison will land in California tonight and will immediately set to work fighting for custody of seven-year-old Daniel.

Evening Press readers have managed to raise more than £1,000 to help Allison on her way to Los Angeles.

She still needs to raise another £2,000 to meet the full cost of legal fees that could arise from a potential court battle.

But the generosity of readers has meant she can travel to America and begin the process of assuming full parental rights and responsibilities.

Daniel's father, Kevin Stucki, of Duarte, California, died on Monday after a battle against leukaemia.

The pair had been embroiled in lengthy legal battles over Daniel, but had reached a shared custody agreement on his care before Kevin's death.

Allison will land in Los Angeles and travel to Anaheim, where she will meet with her U.S. attorney.

He has told her to expect a court hearing on Tuesday, which could decide whether she can bring Daniel home.

Allison said: "I have spoken to Daniel again today. He asked me if I was bringing him back and if he could bring his things.

"He was really excited, so am I. Now I just hope I can bring him home."

Meanwhile, Allison has also been in touch with York MP Hugh Bayley to see if he can offer any further support.

Mr Bayley said: "Ms Williams has provided me with full details of the case and I have asked her to mention my interest to her lawyers."

Updated: 12:38 Friday, January 10, 2003