Jesy Nelson Shares Adorable Twin Video Amid Health Campaign
Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has posted a heartwarming video on Instagram showing her baby twins Ocean and Story enjoying a Monday stroll in their double pushchair. The 34-year-old singer, who welcomed her daughters prematurely in May 2025 with ex-fiancé Zion Foster, shared the sweet clip of the infants wearing matching white hats and baby grows as they got some fresh air.
Devastating SMA1 Diagnosis
Earlier this year, Nelson revealed the devastating news that both babies had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1), a genetic neuromuscular disease that weakens muscles by affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Type 1 represents the most severe form of the condition, with life expectancy typically estimated at less than two years without medical intervention.
In the recent video, the twins could be seen with feeding tubes in their noses as their mother took them outside. The footage comes after Nelson celebrated her first Mother's Day by honoring what she called "superhuman" mothers facing similar challenges with their children's health.
Emotional Rollercoaster of Care
Nelson has been candid about the emotional difficulties of caring for her daughters, describing some days as "really f***ing s***" while others feel slightly lighter. She explained that medical procedures her babies must endure daily leave her feeling like she's hurting them as they cry and scream during treatments.
"Every day is so full-on - I can speak about it, but I'll never be able to explain how intense it is until you see it," Nelson told the Daily Mail. "There are a lot of medical things I have to do which I am still really struggling with. I never expected that to be part of my life and it's tough."
The singer recently became emotional when special feeding chairs arrived for Ocean and Story, noting that SMA1 causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting, requiring the twins to have feeding tubes due to severe swallowing, sucking and breathing difficulties.
Campaigning for NHS Screening Changes
Alongside caring for her daughters, Nelson has been campaigning vigorously for the NHS to expand the standard heel prick test to check for SMA1. She argues that had her twins received this test - which costs approximately £1 - and begun treatment earlier, their leg muscles might have been preserved.
Her petition has already garnered over 100,000 signatures, triggering a requirement for Parliament to consider the matter for debate. Nelson is pushing for SMA1 screening to be included in the newborn blood spot test while simultaneously managing her daughters' complex medical needs.
Music Career on Hold
The star has revealed that she has temporarily parked her music career to focus entirely on her daughters' wellbeing. Appearing on Heart FM's Breakfast show, she told hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston: "Look listen I'd never say never to music, but for me, my girls are my main focus. I'll be honest with you, I've not got time, I really don't. They are my whole heart and soul and my main focus."
Nelson emphasized that advocating for her daughters and working to change the heel prick test protocol represents her primary concern, as these efforts will determine their future prospects.
Defying the Odds
Despite the grim prognosis that SMA1 Type 1 sufferers typically don't live beyond age two without intervention, Nelson remains hopeful about her daughters' prospects. Speaking to Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast, she expressed confidence that Ocean and Story would defy expectations now that they're receiving treatment.
"It's not OK, but it is what it is, and I just have to accept it, and now just try and make the best out of this situation," she said. "And my girls are the strongest, most resilient babies and I really believe that they are going to defy all the odds."
Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease that weakens patient strength by affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, resulting in gradual muscle wasting. The condition varies in severity by type:
- Type 1 SMA: Most severe form, evident at birth, prevents sitting, typically leads to death by age five without treatment
- Type 2 SMA: Intermediate form where sufferers cannot stand
- Type 3 SMA: Mild form making it difficult to rise from sitting position
- Type 4 SMA: Symptoms don't appear until patients reach their 20s or 30s
Nelson continues to share updates about her twins' health journey on Instagram while balancing the demands of caregiving with her advocacy work for improved newborn screening protocols within the National Health Service.
