Operation to separate twins a success

THE parents of Ireland’s little fighters have paid an emotional tribute to their twins’ “courage and strength” after the operation to separate them was declared a success.

“The sun is shining today for our two little fighters, who have won the battle of their lives,” an emotional Angie and Azzedine Benhaffhaf said.

They thanked the medical team at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London who operated on their four-month-old twins, Hassan and Hussein, over a marathon 14 hours on Wednesday. And they thanked the people of Ireland for their prayers and support.

The boys, who were until yesterday joined at the chest, are heavily sedated and in a stable condition in the intensive care unit at GOSH. Doctors say the next 48 hours will be critical and they are monitoring the twins closely to ensure there are no complications.

Angie and Azzedine, who live in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, are maintaining a round-the-clock vigil. They spent most of yesterday being debriefed by doctors.

Angie, who had prayed ahead of the operation for “one more miracle”, told close family members she was relieved and overjoyed with the outcome. But sources say she is fully aware of the battle the boys face in the weeks and months ahead.

The couple released a statement just after noon yesterday as the hospital confirmed the operation had concluded successfully.

“Words cannot express the relief and love we feel for our two boys,” the couple said.

“We thank God, we thank the surgeons and the gifted team at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and we thank from the bottom of our hearts the Irish nation and everyone who prayed for our beloved twins.

“We are so proud of the courage and strength that Hassan and Hussein have shown, and they both have made the world a much better place with them in it.”

The parents are not giving media interviews because they have signed an exclusive deal with ITV. The hospital said no spokesperson was available to comment.

The twins were born on December 2 at University College London Hospital joined at the chest. The separation operation, which got under way at 8.30am on Wednesday, was directed by Irish-born consultant paediatric surgeon Mr Edward Kiely.

“We are pleased with how the operation went,” he said.

About 20 staff, including four anaesthetists and four surgeons, worked in shifts during the complex procedure.

The Benhaffafs have relocated their entire family – including daughters Malika, four, and Iman, two – to London and are expected to remain there for several months.

They are being supported in London by Angie’s brother, Chris, and her aunt, Val. A fund has been set up to help the family cover medical costs.

Marisa Fragolini, who organised a major fundraiser for the twins last week, said she had been waiting anxiously for news of the surgery.

“I am just so delighted and thrilled with the outcome.”

Carrigtwohill parish priest Canon Denis Reidy said prayers were offered for the twins at morning Masses at St Mary’s Church over the last two days.

“It must have been such a worrying time for the family,” he said.

“It is now great to see them getting the goodwill and prayers and financial support – all of which is needed.”

The Little Fighters Fund, Permanent TSB, St Patrick’s Street, Cork. Sort Code 99-07-03 A/C: 16556196.