Surviving Siamese twin goes back home

EILISH HOLTON, the three- year-old Siamese twin seen by millions in a television documentary last week, has left hospital after a separation operation in which her sister Katie died.

With her parents Liam and Mary, she left Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, where she had stayed for eight months, to return home to Donadea, Co Kildare, in the Irish Republic.

Eilish (pictured left, with her parents and elder sister, Clare, saying goodbye to Staff Nurse Sarah Robertson) was unable to stop giggling and laughing with the excitement of going home.

Mr Holton said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be going home and are looking forward to be settling in quietly with Eilish. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the public and would like to thank everyone for their cards, letters and donations.'

Eilish, who underwent the 15- hour separation operation, performed by a team led by Professor Lewis Spitz, in April, will have to return to the hospital for further surgery.

Katie, who was joined to her from shoulder to hip, died of heart failure four days after the operation. Professor Spitz said Katie had not been able to survive without her dominant sister.

(Photograph omitted)