THE right place for a child is with its mother. This is a natural truth on which our society is built.

It is not an absolute, of course. But in most cases, the bond between mother and child should be cherished and respected.

Unhappily, money corrupts everything, even this. In the heartbreaking case of Allison Williams, hard cash has been placed before family.

Allison's son Daniel lived in the United States with his father Kevin, who died on Monday. In such circumstances you would expect Daniel to be placed in the care of his mother, who had joint custody of him with his father.

But it is not so straightforward. Allison has been told the last wish of Kevin was that Daniel remain in the States with his partner.

Now Allison has five days to raise enough money to hire an American lawyer and attend a hearing at which Daniel's future will be decided.

It seems incredible that for the lack of a few thousand pounds, Allison may lose her son forever. We glibly talk about the global village, as if crossing continents were as easy as popping to the shops. But unless she can find the cash to get to California, Daniel may as well be on the moon.

It is proper that Daniel's future be assessed by an independent court. His wishes must be paramount.

But to deny his mother the chance to be a part of that process is utterly wrong.

Daniel has settled into a way of life in the States, and this will be an argument for him staying. Financially, it may be a more comfortable life than the one he would enjoy with his student mum in York.

But the message of this story is that some things are more important than money, a mother's love for her child being one.

Allison has fought for her son before. We fervently hope she receives the help she needs to fight for him again.

Updated: 12:10 Wednesday, January 08, 2003