I’m HIV positive but it has not stopped me having surrogate twin daughters

women.” In November, Antonio was told the surrogate was in hospital and his babies could be born any day.

He says: “They arrived two weeks shy of their due date.”

Anna and Maria were born by C-section in December, both weighing a healthy 5lb 7oz, as Antonio nervously waited outside the delivery room.

“I went in to see them and they were so tiny, so perfect. As I held each of them in my arms I was overwhelmed with joy.”

Three days later Antonio left the hospital with his daughters.

He is now waiting for British passports for them and plans to return to the UK next week.

The whole process has cost him €90,000 – but he says: “My girls are worth every penny.” The only shadow over his joy is the lack of contact from his closest family members. “Friends and some family were supportive and thrilled for me,” he says.

THRILLED

“But my parents could never accept I am gay. I didn’t come out until my 20s and even then I hid it years from my parents.

“A couple of times I tried to tell them but they didn’t want to listen. My father died several years ago.

“I hoped my mother and older brother would be happy that I’ve had the girls. I sent a book of photos of myself and the twins to them a few weeks ago, but I haven’t heard back.

“Some might say I have denied my daughters a mum. But I believe having a loving parent is what really matters and I will be honest with my girls about how they were conceived as they grow up.

“As a single working dad I will also have to have help – maybe a female nanny.”

Antonio says he may even try for more children.

“I still have four frozen embryos left – a little boy would be a lovely balance to my family.”

features@sundaymirror.co.uk