Marieme and Ndeye were initially not anticipated to live beyond a few days after their birth. At seven years old, they stand as possibly the lone pair of growing conjoined twins across Europe. Despite possessing distinct personalities and emotional states, they depend on each other for sustenance. “When you are informed early on that there is no future, you simply embrace the present,” remarked their father, Ibrahima.
Conjoined twins are a rarity, constituting approximately one in every 500,000 live births in the UK. Nearly half of these cases result in stillbirth, and an additional third succumb within the first 24 hours of life. Witnessing Marieme and Ndeye celebrate their seventh birthday alongside a classroom full of friends brings not only joy to their father Ibrahima but also to the medical professionals who have been involved in their care.
Ibrahima kept his daughters Marieme and Ndeye in the UK to stay under the medical supervision of Great Ormond Street Hospital
Marieme and Ndeye share a single pair of legs and a pelvis, yet each possesses an individual spinal cord and heart. Despite requiring round-the-clock care, they attend a mainstream school in south Wales, interacting with their friends. Ibrahima, their father, describes them as fighters who defy expectations. While Marieme exhibits a quiet and introverted personality, Ndeye showcases independence. Ibrahima acknowledges the challenges but considers it a significant privilege to witness their ongoing battle for life.
In 2016, Marieme and Ndeye, born unexpectedly in Senegal, were initially anticipated as a single baby. Medical experts held grim expectations for their survival, predicting a life span of only a few days.
Ibrahima, their father, shared with the BBC’s Inseparable Sisters documentary that he was mentally preparing for a brief time with his daughters. “The only thing we could do is be beside them and not allow them to walk alone through this journey. We saw very clearly early on that we were dealing with warriors, who hang on to life.”
Marieme and Ndeye enjoy playing with their friends at primary school in Cardiff
Their optimal chance for survival was perceived to be through separation. After reaching out to hospitals worldwide, seeking assistance, the family sought treatment at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2017. Ibrahima held hope that this renowned children’s hospital, with a substantial history of separating conjoined twins, would facilitate the separation, allowing them to return home to their siblings in Dakar. However, things didn’t unfold as expected.
Medical examinations revealed that Marianne’s heart was too fragile for the intricate surgical procedure. The medical team cautioned the family that, without separation, neither daughter might surpass a few more months. Nonetheless, they were advised that separation would provide Ndeye with the best prospects for survival.
“It was choosing between one of my children for the other, and that’s not something I can bring myself to do,” expressed Ibrahima during that period.
While their mother went back to Africa to care for their other children, Marieme, Ndeye, and Ibrahima stayed in the UK for medical attention, ultimately relocating to Cardiff. This offers a heartening glimpse into the lives of seven-year-old conjoined twins, defying initial expectations of surviving only a few days.
Facing the challenge of being unable to return home, Ibrahima, the former managing director of a travel organization in Senegal, shared, “It’s venturing into the unknown, leaving behind the rest of your family and your job back home. I didn’t dwell too much on it; I just followed my heart. It’s my parental responsibility to ensure they have someone here for them, and that becomes my life purpose.”
The twins require frequent hospital check-ups due to the significant risk of infection and heart failure. Dr. Gillian Body, a consultant pediatrician at the University Hospital of Wales, expressed, “Initially, there was a bit of novelty and excitement, followed by the realization that this is something I’ve only ever read about in textbooks.”
Ibrahima is grateful for the “dedicated” surgeons, doctors, school staff, classroom support workers and carers that help him look after Marieme and Ndeye
“I wish for them to lead a normal life, playing, laughing with other children, making friends, and growing as individuals,” expressed Ibrahima. “They shouldn’t have to hide, and being in a mainstream school demonstrates that they are integral to society and fortunate to be part of this community.” The next milestone for Marieme and Ndeye is learning to stand and walk. Currently, they are able to stand for about 20 minutes each day with the assistance of a standing frame. Ibrahima proudly stated, “They have accomplished things that nobody believed possible.”
“Living for the present is the mindset when you’re initially told there is no future,” he emphasized. “I understand that at any moment, I might get a call with unfortunate news. As for how long? I prefer not to know. We’ll make each day a surprise and celebrate life. It might be contradictory, but despite the challenges, I feel fortunate. They bring me immense joy. Being their dad is an enormous blessing.”
