When you feel the need to have a moan about your life today, just think of Laura Williams, writes Neil Thomas in the Shropshire Star newsroom.

Aged just 18, this Shrewsbury teenager has had to make the sort of decision that would leave most of us reeling.

A 12-week scan showed the twins Laura was carrying were conjoined and she was advised she should consider an abortion.

However, Laura desperately wanted to keep her daughters, who she and husband Aled have already named Faith and Hope.

It is the stuff of nightmares.

The maternal instinct ­ the urge to give life to the vulnerable little beings you are carrying ­ is a powerful one that can sweep aside medical judgement, no matter how logical and well-meant.

Laura was warned there might be complications ­ including the chance of her having to have a hysterectomy ­ or that her babies might die.

However, she decided to press ahead with the pregnancy and the twins are due to be delivered by Caesarean section this week.

The girls, who are joined from the breastbone to the top of the navel and have separate hearts ­ will undergo an operation to be seprated in London.

Laura says she is prepared for the worst but optimistic that the surgery will be successful.

“If they’re meant to be in this world, and if they’ve come this far, we¹ve got to hope they’ll make it the rest of the way,” she says.

This teenager has shown courage, belief and determination that is truly inspirational. She has protected the lives of her young, no matter what the risks might be to her. It is the kind of unconditional love that represents an ideal of parenthood that can only be admired.

Laura and Aled already know the joy of parenthood through their 18-month-old daughter Carly. Let us hope that the toddler will soon have two healthy little sisters to bring joy to the Williams household.