Sep 13, 2009, 12:00 GMT
Sir Elton John wants to adopt a Ukrainian toddler who "stole his heart".
British singer Elton John during his visit to an orphanage for HIV-positive children in Ukrainian city Makeevka, about 30 km of Donetsk, 12 September 2009. Ukrainian anti-AIDS Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation and British 'The Big Lottery Fund' presented their joint project 'Children plus' for improvement life of HIV-positive children and relief their integration to society. EPA/PHOTOMIG
The veteran pop star and his husband David Furnish "would love" to adopt 14-month-old Lev after spending time with him at an orphanage for babies with HIV or who have parents with the disease.
He said: "David and I have always talked about adoption. David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I'm 62, and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have, maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child. But seeing Lev today, I would love to adopt him.
"I don't know how we do that, but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home.
"I've changed my mind today. He's such a scrumptious thing, bless his heart."
According to orphanage worker Olga Rudneva, Elton said he didn't mind if Lev was HIV positive or not.
The tot's mother reportedly lives near the children's home but has not visited her son since she gave him to the centre.
Elton was in Ukraine to promote and work with his Aids charity when he performed his hit single 'Circle of Life' to the 80 children who live at the centre.
During his visit, Elton said his adoption idea was inspired by the death of his keyboard player and close friend Guy Babylon, 52, who died earlier this month from a suspected heart attack.
He said: "It broke my heart because he was such a genius and so young and has two wonderful children. What better opportunity to replace someone I lost than to replace him with someone I can give a future to?"
However, Elton and David might come into difficulty if they go ahead with their adoption plans because in Ukraine, there must not be more than 45-years age difference between a child and its adoptive parents.
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