Doctors did not expect Marieme and Ndeye to survive more than a few days after they were born.
When the girls were born in Senegal, their parents were expecting one baby. Now, at seven years old, they are believed to be the only growing conjoined twins in Europe.
Marieme and Ndeye share a pair of legs and a pelvis, but each has her own spinal cord and heart. Although they have very different personalities, they depend on each other and receive care around the clock.
“When you are told from the beginning that there is no future, you simply live in the present,” says their father, Ibrahima.
Doctors in Senegal believed separating the girls might give them their best chance. After contacting hospitals around the world, the family arrived at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
But tests found that Marieme’s heart was too weak to withstand the complex procedure. After extensive discussions with medical experts, the family made the difficult decision not to separate the twins.
“It was choosing one of my daughters over the other, and that is something I cannot do,” Ibrahima said. “I cannot allow myself to choose who will live and who will not.”
When their mother returned to Africa to care for their other children, Ibrahima and the twins remained in the UK for ongoing medical care. They eventually moved to Cardiff, Wales.
The girls need regular hospital check-ups and specialist care, but they also attend a mainstream primary school and enjoy spending time with their friends.
Their father has the support of specialist carers, while the twins receive assistance at school from two classroom helpers.
“I want them to have a normal life, to play and laugh with other children, make friends and develop as individuals,” Ibrahima says.
Dressing the twins can also be challenging because their shared body structure requires specially adapted clothing. Even simple everyday activities often need extra planning.
The next goal for Marieme and Ndeye is to become more confident standing and walking. They currently practice for around 20 minutes each day with the help of a standing frame.
“They have achieved things that nobody thought they would,” says Ibrahima.
“When you are told from the beginning that there is no future, you live in the present. We are going to make every day a surprise and celebrate life.”
“It can be difficult, but you feel fortunate despite the challenges. They bring me so much joy. It is a great blessing to be their father.”
