Jesy Nelson Unveils Personal Documentary and Campaigns for SMA Screening
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has announced the release of a deeply personal documentary series on Amazon Prime, while simultaneously delivering a heartfelt message to her twin daughters, who were recently diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
A Journey Through Motherhood and Adversity
In an emotional Instagram post, Nelson revealed that the documentary was originally intended to capture the joys of first-time motherhood. "I wanted to document everything," she explained, envisioning a fun experience to look back on with her children. However, the project took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was expecting twins, followed by a diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition threatening their survival.
Nelson spent three months in hospital, gave birth prematurely, and endured over a month in the neonatal ward. She described bringing her daughters home as "finally out of the trenches," but the challenges were far from over. The documentary now chronicles this harrowing period, which Nelson admits is "too emotional" for her to watch frequently.
Advocacy for Newborn Screening
The documentary's release coincides with Nelson's high-profile meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, where she demanded that SMA screening be added to the NHS newborn heel prick test. This simple £5 check, already used in most developed nations, can lead to early treatment that prevents irreversible nerve damage.
In a filmed conversation for ITV's This Morning, Nelson questioned why it took her platform to bring attention to the issue. "Why did it have to take me to come along with a platform for people to take this seriously?" she asked. Streeting acknowledged the validity of her point, noting his inbox was full of similar stories from grateful families.
Nelson emphasised the urgency, stating, "It's just madness to me that we have three life-changing treatments, yet it's still not part of the heel prick test." She warned that without action, more families would face the same distress.
Personal Struggles and a Message of Hope
Earlier this month, Nelson publicly revealed that her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, have SMA Type 1, a condition causing floppiness, breathing difficulties, and delayed motor skills. She described grieving the life she imagined for her children and now acts as a nurse, managing breathing machines and other medical tasks.
The diagnosis came after Nelson's mother noticed reduced movement in the twins, and despite initial reassurances about prematurity, Nelson persisted until they were tested. This personal ordeal has fueled her advocacy, with The Mirror campaigning alongside her for the NHS to adopt SMA screening.
Amid these challenges, it was reported that Nelson and the twins' father, rapper Zion Foster, have split, though sources confirm they remain friends and are united in co-parenting, prioritising their daughters' well-being.
A Legacy of Resilience
Nelson's documentary serves not only as a personal memoir but as a tool for inspiration. She expressed pride in her daughters' resilience and strength, vowing to show them the footage if they ever doubt their abilities. "I'll turn to them and say, 'My darlings, you CAN and you WILL!!!'" she declared.
This project marks a significant chapter in Nelson's life, blending her celebrity influence with a powerful call for healthcare reform, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood under extraordinary circumstances.
