YORK mum Allison Williams this afternoon hugged the son she thought she may never see again - and thanked Evening Press readers for making her dream come true.
Allison, 40, flew home to Britain from the United States after winning a dramatic custody battle for her seven-year-old son Daniel.
She landed at Heathrow Airport today holding Daniel's hand and accompanied by her daughter Ashley.
The trio plan an emotional reunion with family and friends back in York tonight.
A clearly emotional Allison, who lives off Nunnery Lane, said she would never have been reunited with Daniel had it not been for generous Evening Press readers.
They helped raise more than £1,000, giving Allison a chance to pay the 3,000 dollars needed to launch legal proceedings in America to secure her future
with Daniel.
Allison said: "I'm really glad we are on the ground now. I can actually believe it has happened now.
"We had to show all kinds of documents to get out of Los Angeles, but now we are here it makes it all worthwhile.
"This is a dream come true for me. There will be no more sad goodbyes.
"I'm very grateful to Evening Press readers for all their help, and for everyone who gave me their power of thought. I have waited the last four years for this."
Allison had raced to the United States following the death of Daniel's father Kevin Stucki, of Duarte, California, who had been suffering from leukaemia.
The pair had shared custody rights over Daniel, following a lengthy legal battle, but Kevin's death meant Allison was forced to launch new custody proceedings.
On Wednesday, a Californian court in Pasadena granted Allison full parental rights and responsibilities, allowing her to start a new life with Daniel in York.
Allison said that Daniel was looking forward to living in England, but added that it had been hard for him to leave his friends and neighbours in California.
"He was really, really sad. All his friends were there to say goodbye. Now I think he is ready to start again in England," she said.
Daniel said: "I'm very happy to be in England. I'm glad to be with my mum, and I'm looking forward to seeking my grandma, Susan."
Updated: 15:34 Friday, January 17, 2003
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