Separate, but still a team
Little Hassan and Hussein Benhaffhaf, who have made a remarkable recovery since their marathon separation surgery 10 weeks ago, held each others’ hands – just as they did when they were conjoined – as they and their family were accorded a civic reception in Cork.
“They interact with each other, hold each other and touch each other the same way they did when they were joined,” their mum Angie said.
“But they are just like any other babies now – feeding, changing, and pretty soon, they’ll be wrecking our heads!”
Born last December joined at the chest, they were separated in London in April and returned home four weeks ago.
The six-month-old little fighters from Carrigtwohill in Co Cork arrived at City Hall in a stretch Limo, escorted by Harley Davidson motorcycles, for the reception – their first public appearance since their return.
The family was whisked inside for a private reception with the Lord Mayor, Cllr Dara Murphy, and his wife, Tanya.
Blissfully oblivious to the protocol, the babies filled the Lord Mayor’s chambers with cries of hunger bang on 6pm.
“They’re like their father,” Angie joked.
Politicians, dignitaries and surgeons had to wait while the boys downed a bottle of feed each in under a minute.
Cllr Murphy praised Angie and Azzedine for their dignity and courage over the last six months and said: “The message should now go out that this family is like any other.”
Angie said: “We just want to have quality family time and do normal stuff. We missed out on that for the last six months.”
The couple thanked everyone for their support and prayers. “That got us through this,” Angie said.
“We didn’t think we’d come back with two boys,” Azzedine said.
“We are so happy and delighted with the support of the public, and particularly the people of Cork.”
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