THIS brave little boy has just weeks to live - unless he has a lifesaving organ transplant.

Ethan Collins' parents told the Manchester Evening News about his astonishing 11-month fight for survival.

They described how they long for their precious son to have the `second chance' that the operation would give him. Ethan has spent all but one night of his life in hospital. He was born with the  problems and now his only hope is a new liver and intestine.

Doctors and nurses at Booth Hall Children's Hospital have fought to keep Ethan alive.

His dad Stuart, 30, a radar expert who left the army in June after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, said: "Ethan is such a happy little boy. He has a fantastic nature and doesn't mind being in hospital, because he doesn't know anything else."

Stuart and Donna, 32, who also have two daughters from previous relationships, are hoping people will sign up to the donor register and help save the lives of children like him.

Donna, from Whitefield, said: "We have been told Ethan only has weeks to live without a transplant, so we are having to think the worst.

"We know how difficult it is when your child is very sick, but we want to ask other parents to consider donating their child's organs."

Stuart added: "We just want him to have another chance."

Donna was told there were problems when she was pregnant, but she decided not to tell her partner Stuart while he was serving in Afghanistan.

He was devastated by the news when he returned before the birth, but doctors thought an op would solve the problem.

Ethan was born a month premature at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, with a condition which meant most of his intestine was outside his body. He was taken into surgery straight away, but doctors were only able to save a tiny portion of his gut.

Consultant paediatric gastroenterologist Adrian Thomas said: "Ethan required major surgery on the first day of life.

"He has required intravenous feeding to help maintain his growth, but has developed severe liver disease - combined intestinal and liver transplantation can be a life-saving procedure if it is performed in time."

If Ethan has the transplant, he will still need a lot more treatment and would have to take drugs for the rest of his life.

To find out more about organ donation and register as a donor call: 0845 60 60 400 or see www.uktransplant.org.uk