Leigh-Anne Pinnock has sent a heartfelt message to her former Little Mix bandmate Jesy Nelson, calling her 'incredible' after she revealed her twin daughters have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA1). Jesy, who gave birth to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely in May last year, announced the diagnosis in January and has since campaigned for newborn screening for the condition.
Speaking on The Smallzy Show, Leigh-Anne said: 'It's heartbreaking, just awful. Obviously I did reach out to her. It's just the worst thing ever. I think she's really incredible for spreading that awareness. I think that's the special thing about us. We will always be there.' The singer also told Heart Breakfast that she, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall have all reached out to Jesy, adding: 'I think she is really brave for what she is doing.'
Jesy has previously said that reconnecting with her former bandmates after giving birth has been 'very healing'. Appearing on ITV's This Morning, she said: 'We were genuinely best friends. Things happen in life... Since they've been reaching out, it's lovely. It's definitely healed a part of me, for sure.'
The SMA1 screening campaign has gained traction, with Scotland announcing it will start testing newborns for the condition from spring. However, the test is not currently available elsewhere in the UK. Jesy quit Little Mix in 2020, with the group announcing a hiatus the following year.
