Four-year-old twins Rosie and Ruby Formosa, who were born conjoined and with a slim chance of survival, are eagerly waiting for their first day of school. Despite the challenges they faced since birth, the Formosa twins have amazed everyone with their strength and resilience.
Before the twins were born, their parents were uncertain about their future. However, Rosie and Ruby proved to be fighters, surpassing all expectations. Now, they are preparing to take their first steps into the world of education.
Their father, Daniel Formosa, shared his excitement about this milestone. “We are thrilled that the girls not only survived but are thriving like any other children their age,” he said. Daniel, along with his wife Angela, resides in Bexleyheath, Kent, along with their nine-year-old daughter, Lily.
Rosie and Ruby were born joined at the abdomen in 2012, sharing part of their intestine. Their birth made headlines in the UK, and they underwent a critical operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London just a day after they were born.
Despite their initial health challenges, the twins have grown into bright girls full of energy. Their mother discovered their condition when she was between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant. The twins were delivered at University College Hospital at 34 weeks and were immediately transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, a renowned center for the treatment of conjoined twins.
Although the Formosa family is excited for the twins to start school, Daniel admits that it will be an emotional moment to see them off. “The house is going to feel empty without the two of them running around all day,” he expressed. However, he is confident that they will thrive in school, as they will be attending the same school as their older sister and will share a classroom.
The occurrence of conjoined twins is rare, happening only once in every 50,000 live births. However, Malta has seen its share of conjoined twins, with another set, Gracie and Rosie, born in 2000. Unfortunately, Rosie passed away the day after a complex 15-hour operation. In 2010, it was reported that Gracie had grown into a bright and talented 10-year-old.
Twins Rosie (left) and Ruby Formosa, who were born joined at the abdomen and sharing part of their intestines, are due to start school next week. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA
