The grandmother of a little boy in Ukraine who Elton John tried unsuccessfully to adopt has called on the singer for ‘any help’ he could give.

Elton and David were captivated by little Lev Ageyev when they encountered him at an orphanage in 2009. But under Ukraine’s laws, gay men are banned from adopting and in any case Sir Elton, then aged 62, was considered too old. Elton said at the time: ‘I would love to adopt him. He has stolen my heart.’

Lev’s grandmother Yulia, 61, has now rescued him from the orphanage. She said: ‘I have taken Lev out of the kindergarten until the trouble is over.’ She added: ‘I know he felt something for Lev. We’re worried what will happen so any help he could give us would be appreciated. Lev went away to a camp recently and ended up becoming the star. And he told everyone that Elton John wanted to adopt him.’

After failing to adopt him, the couple publicly pledged to find him a home in his native country and send regular financial help. In 2011 Lev's grandmother said she had not heard anything for Elton since his visit. She said the the singer had also promised to help Lev’s HIV-positive brother, Artyom. Lev’s alcoholic mother Marina, who was also HIV positive, died of pneumonia in 2010.

Meanwhile, dating agencies in Ukraine said they are being inundated with women who are seeking British men in a bid to escape the troubled region. A university art teacher with two degrees, told The Sun: ‘Right now, in Ukraine, our society is falling apart and I’m very sad about it.'

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