Bid to separate conjoined twins
Updated on 02 December 2008
Surgeons were attempting to separate conjoined twins who were born last week.
Faith and Hope Williams were delivered by Caesarean section at London's University College last Wednesday but concerns developed about their condition.
Their mother, 18-year-old Laura Williams, is Britain's youngest ever mother to give birth to conjoined twins.
A spokeswoman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "The separation of conjoined twins Faith and Hope Williams has been brought forward and is currently taking place, after some concerns developed last night.
"Obviously, the final decision about separation surgery was made by the family. Laura and Aled Williams would like to thank all the hospitals involved in their care for everything they have done for the family so far, in particular, the surgeons and other staff who are currently in surgery conducting the separation."
The twins are joined from the breastbone to the top of the navel and have separate hearts. Mrs Williams and her husband Aled, 28, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, spoke exclusively to the Mail on Sunday about the birth.
Mrs Williams told the newspaper: "They wheeled me in to see them. They had tucked Hope's arm underneath and it was Faith's arm that I could see. I took her hand and she was grasping my hand.
"They were both blowing bubbles. They were so beautiful. After everything everyone said, I'm so glad to have proved them wrong."
Mr Williams said he was "over the moon" after the birth. The couple have another daughter, 18-month-old Carly.
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