Dad of seriously ill twins told: 'You can only save one of them'

Michael Wagner is a match for a liver transplant but has asked doctors to decide which girl receives the operation

A father has been left in a devastating position after discovering he can save the life of just ONE of his seriously ill daughters.

Michael Wagner has been told by doctors that he is a donor match for a liver transplant for both of his twin daughters.

Binh and Phuoc, who were adopted by Michael and his wife Johanne from Vietnam in 2012, both have Alagille syndrome.

The condition is a genetic disorder that can affect liver functions along with the heart and other organs.

After going for tests, Michael was told he was a match but that he could only donate to one daughter, but the family has decided to leave the decision about which sibling should have the operation to doctors.

The family, from Ontario in Canada, is now appealing for help in tracing another donor after Michael was told by doctors he can only donate part of his organ to one of his toddlers.

Medics have revealed that unless the youngsters have transplants, they will die as both their livers are failing and no more can be done for them in terms of treatment.

Speaking to the local newspaper the Star, Mr Wagner said: "It is urgent ... It’s pretty hard to find one liver, and we’re working for two.

“If this all happens before the summer, imagine: they won’t be itchy, their eyes won’t be yellow, they won’t be sick. They can concentrate on being kids."

Johanne and Michael told how the girls suffer extreme “itchiness” and have slight learning difficulties due to their illnesses, but despite that they remain “happy girls”.

Michael, who is expected to have his operation to remove part of his liver in the next fortnight, said: "They are full of life.”

The couple, who have seven other children, have started up a Facebook page to increase the awareness of their situation and with media taking interest, the family hopes a second donor witll soon be found.

Michael said: "We're encouraged that we have raised the profile of not only our daughters but of all the people who are waiting for organ donors. And we hope it helps.”