THE mother of Private Johnathon Young, who was left distraught after DNA tests revealed her son is not the father of a boy who calls her "Nana", has praised Orchard Park people for their support.
Amy Collins, 21, claimed she had a fling with the soldier before he left for Afghanistan, where he was killed on his first tour in August 2009.
She always maintained the father of her three-year-old son, Layton, was Private Young, who was aged 18 when he died.
However, long-awaited DNA tests have now revealed Private Young is not the father, which has devastated his mother, Angie Fox, of Jipdane.
She said: "It has been very upsetting, but people on this estate, where I have lived my whole life, have been fantastic.
"People have stopped me in the street and put their arms around me, which has been lovely. It means a lot to know that people round here care."
Factory worker Angie shrugged off cruel comments made by some from other parts of Hull and the East Riding.
"It's nothing I have not heard before," she said. "It's typical, negative stuff about people who live on Orchard Park.
"But what I will say, is that I brought three children up here and I have always worked.
"There are some very good people who live in Orchard Park and you wouldn't get the support I've had elsewhere.
"I'm proud to live here. People look out for each other in Orchard Park – it's always been like that round here."
Amy, originally of Hull but now living in Doncaster, agreed to a paternity test to prove Private Young was the father of her son.
In an interview with the Mail last August, Amy said: "I would not put Johnathon's mum through this if I was not sure in my own mind Layton is his child."
Angie has said she intends to "cut all ties" with Amy and Layton.
"I can't have anything more to do with either of them. I don't want to mess Layton's mind up," she said
Angie's family had even taken pictures of Layton in front of a memorial to Private Young at Shaw Park.
Private Young, who attended the former Sir Henry Cooper School, was killed by a Taliban bomb while acting as "point man", leading a patrol through an alleyway littered with the deadly devices.
Do you have a story from Orchard Park/north Hull? Call reporter Kevin Shoesmith on 01482 315266.
