This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
Angela Formosa's life changed forever when she gave birth to conjoined twin girls, Ruby and Rosie, in 2012. Born at University College Hospital in London, the twins were joined at the abdomen and shared part of their intestine and bowel.
Doctors immediately decided to perform a risky separation surgery, which had a 25% chance of success. Angela and her husband Daniel waited anxiously as surgeons worked to separate the girls in a five-hour operation.
Against all odds, the surgery was a success, and Ruby and Rosie began their journey to recovery. Angela recalls the moment she first saw her daughters after the surgery: 'We were just sat in the middle of both cots, looking from one to the other.'
Angela's story is one of hope and resilience, and she is now sharing it with others who may be going through similar experiences. Her twins, now seven years old, have been through numerous surgeries and hospital visits, but they continue to thrive.
Angela's advice to other parents of conjoined twins is to take each day as it comes and enjoy the precious moments. 'Every milestone is amazing,' she says. 'I spend most of my time looking at them in amazement at how far they've come.'
