A YORK mother fighting an international custody battle over her son says she has only five days in which to travel to America if she is to stand a chance of bringing him home.

Allison Williams said the future of her son, Daniel, who is seven, could be decided on Monday, when lawyers in California are due to meet to determine whether he should stay in America or be reunited with her in York.

Allison, 40, of Cygnet Street, had reached a shared custody agreement with Daniel's father, Kevin Stucki, of Duarte, California.

But Kevin died of leukaemia last Monday, leaving Allison facing a desperate race against time to launch a challenge for full custody.

She needs to raise 5,000 dollars (£3,100) to pay attorney fees, and fund her case to gain full parental rights and responsibilities.

Allison said she had contacted the Foreign Office to ask their advice, and said there was also the glimmer of a flight deal with Virgin Atlantic. However, Allison, an art and design student, said the prospect of finding the cash to pay for the legal costs was the most daunting challenge.

"We are now trying to raise the money and get the ball rolling with the lawyer," Allison said. "I have spoken to Daniel again and I am trying to get sorted out.

"I think that Kevin's funeral is on Monday and I want to go to America as soon as possible. I rang Virgin Atlantic and they have a charities department that might be able to help. They have asked me to fax some details to them and they could help me out with my airline tickets.

"There is going to be a meeting next week, involving Daniel, and my ambition is to be there at that meeting.

"I am feeling positive at the moment and I want to help Daniel in any way possible. I am surprised at how quickly things are taking off. Now I am just keeping my fingers crossed."

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, January 08, 2003