Conjoined twin Hope dies

One of the conjoined twins born to a Shropshire teenager has died after an emergency operation to separate them, the hospital said today.

Hope Williams died last night in the presence of her parents after she was separated from her twin Faith because her lungs were unable to support her breathing.

See also - Messages of support after twin's death

Professor Agostino Pierro, head of the surgical team at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, said Faith was in a "stable" condition and "gradually improving".

The professor said the separation operation, which got under way yesterday afternoon, was "technically" successful but Hope died following the surgery as her lungs were too small.

More than 20 staff worked on the operation. Today 18-year-old Laura Williams, of Shrewsbury, and her husband Aled, 28, were said to be "devastated" at the loss of their daughter.

Professor Pierro said: "We needed to operate because the children's health was going downhill.

"This was an emergency operation because there was a blockage in their joined intestine, which could only be resolved through separation.

"The technical separation worked well - although it was extremely challenging - and went according to plan.

"More than 20 staff were involved with the children moved into different theatres after separation.

"However, very sadly after separation baby Hope's lungs proved too small to support her breathing and she died last night in the presence of her parents.

"They are clearly devastated by the loss of their daughter. We offer them our deepest condolences on their loss."

Professor Pierro said baby Faith was today "stable" after separation.

He said: "She requires support for her breathing but she is gradually improving. However, it is early days and complications can occur."

Hope and Faith were delivered by Caesarean section at London's University College on November 26 making Laura, Britain's youngest ever mother to give birth to conjoined twins

The twins were joined from the breastbone to the top of the navel and had separate hearts.

Doctors had hoped to wait until they were older and stronger to operate but decided that their shared circulatory system and two separate hearts could make it risky.

Doctors warned Laura and her husband Aled, a binman who used to work for Veolia in Shropshire, that the twins might not survive after a 12-week scan revealed the problem but they refused to consider a termination.

Yesterday, the time scale for the separation operation was brought forward after some concerns developed and hospital officials said the final decision was made by the family.

Today staff at Laura's former school, the Wakeman School in Shrewsbury, said they were thinking of the couple, who live with Laura's mother Wendy Rackham in Harlescott.

Karen Moore, headteacher of the school, said: "We wish them all the best and our thoughts are with them through this difficult time."

Amy Carr, who used to go to school with Laura, said: "I don't know what to say. It's really sad and I'm really sorry about it."

Councillor Eileen Sandford, who looks after the couple's Harlescott ward, said: "They knew unfortunately there was a grave risk and if one survives, that's great. It was worth the choice, it was a hard choice, but one which I support and I hope that the young couple will carry on."

Great Ormond Street Hospital is the most experienced centre in Europe for the management of and, if necessary, the separation of conjoined twins.

At the time of the birth, Laura described her twins as "beautiful" and Aled said he was "over the moon" after the birth. The couple have another daughter, 18-month-old Carly.

Managers at Veolia Environmental Services, the contractors for Shropshire Waste Partnership where Aled used to work, today said they were sorry to hear of Hope's death.

Cleansing supervisor Darren Hurdsman said: "It's really sad.

"Everyone at Veolia at Weeping Cross depot sends their condolences to Laura and Aled. It's a real shame.

"It's good news that Faith is doing okay, though."

By Rebecca Lawrence