In May 2016, in Senegal, a miracle unfolded: Marieme and Ndeye Ndiaye were born, identical conjoined twin girls. From the very first moments, doctors feared the worst. “They may only live for a few days, perhaps a few weeks,” they told their father, Ibrahima. But he refused to accept such a fate.

A Journey in Search of Hope

Ibrahima, then 51, spent sleepless nights reaching out to medical professionals across the globe, desperate for a solution. Each reply was the same: “There’s nothing we can do. Don’t put too much hope in the girls. It’s just a matter of weeks.”

But Ibrahima’s love and determination knew no bounds. He traveled with his daughters to the UK, settling in Cardiff, where the girls were given a chance at life thanks to the expertise and compassion of doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

A Unique Medical Challenge

Marieme and Ndeye each have a healthy brain, their own heart, stomach, and lungs. But they share a single liver, bladder, and digestive system. The twins each control one arm, though Ndeye, the stronger sister, uses hers more frequently.

The dilemma was agonizing: Should doctors attempt to separate the twins, knowing that such a procedure carried enormous risks for both children? After extensive scans and consultations, it was revealed that neither girl could survive separation. Their circulatory systems are so intricately connected that they are, in a very real sense, keeping each other alive—a case unlike anything Great Ormond Street Hospital had ever seen.

Defying Expectations

More than a year after arriving in Cardiff, Marieme and Ndeye have not only survived, but thrived. They attend play groups and respite care at the children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan. They love watching CBeebies, singing, and laughing together. Despite ongoing health challenges, they are now preparing to start nursery for five mornings a week—an ordinary milestone that once seemed impossible.

In a BBC documentary, “Conjoined Twins: An Impossible Decision,” Ibrahima shared his journey:
“When I was trying to find a solution for the girls from Senegal, it wasn’t easy. Every contact I had around the world said the same thing: there was no hope. But when I got in touch with Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was the first time a hospital told me, ‘Come, we’ll see what we can do.’”

A Father’s Love

The family now lives in a small flat near Cardiff city centre. Ibrahima speaks with quiet pride and humility about his daughters:
“One day, I hope to have a picture of them in school uniforms, playing like any other child, with a teacher. These are the things that keep me strong. I feel lucky to be their dad. That’s what I tell them all the time.”

He acknowledges the paradox of his situation: “Nobody would ask to go through what I’m going through. But all the credit goes to the girls. I’m not the one experiencing their condition—they are. They are the brave ones.”

Community and Gratitude

Ibrahima is deeply grateful for the support the UK, and especially Wales, has provided for his daughters.
“The people of the UK, especially Wales—I want to thank them for letting the girls live in a safe environment and helping them live as long as possible. I moved to Cardiff. I don’t regret it. It’s a nice place. I think the girls will flourish here.”

Inspired by his daughters’ journey, Ibrahima is now working with Tŷ Hafan to set up a charity to help other children with disabilities, hoping to give hope to families who, like his, were once told there was none.

Looking Toward the Future

Marieme and Ndeye’s story is one of resilience, love, and the refusal to give up. As they prepare to start nursery, their smiles light up every room they enter—a testament to the power of hope, the strength of family, and the extraordinary bond between two sisters who were never supposed to survive.

“I feel lucky to be their dad,” Ibrahima says. And for Marieme and Ndeye, every new day is a victory—a chance to live, to laugh, and to prove that miracles do happen.