Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has delivered devastating personal news, revealing that her twin baby girls have been diagnosed with a severe and rare genetic condition.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Announcement
In an emotional video shared on Instagram on 4th January 2026, Nelson struggled to hold back tears as she explained that her daughters have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. The condition causes progressive muscle weakness and means the twins will never be able to walk.
"I wanted to come on here to share some news with you guys," the singer began, visibly distressed. "I'm not actually sure where to start with this video." She described the last few months as "the most heartbreaking time of my life."
The Long Road to Diagnosis
Nelson recounted that concerns first arose a few months ago when her mother noticed the twins showed reduced movement in their legs. Initially, this did not cause major alarm, as healthcare professionals had advised her not to compare her premature babies' development to typical milestones.
"Health care visitors insisted everything was fine and the girls are healthy," she said. Further signs emerged when the infants struggled to feed properly, but repeated visits to the GP yielded assurances and advice to try feeding "little and often."
After what she called "the most gruelling three to four months, and endless appointments," the family finally received the life-altering diagnosis.
Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder that attacks the nerve cells in the spinal cord, weakening every muscle in the body. This includes muscles used for moving, swallowing, and breathing.
Nelson explained the grim prognosis without intervention: "Over time it kills the muscles in the body. If it's not treated in time, your babies' life expectancy will not make it past the age of two."
Urgent Treatment and a New Reality
The family was referred to the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for assessment. Specialists there delivered the sobering news that the girls would never walk or regain neck strength and would be disabled.
"The best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment and hope for the best," Nelson stated. She expressed profound gratitude that the twins have now received their crucial treatment, emphasising that "if they didn't have it they would die."
She described the hospital as her "second home" and said the diagnosis forced her to learn complex medical care rapidly. "I feel like I've had to become a nurse within two weeks of getting the diagnosis. I've had to do stuff no mother should have to do on their child."
The singer concluded her message by highlighting the critical importance of time with SMA, noting that once treatment began, it was "a very rapid process." Her public revelation aims to share her family's struggle during an immensely challenging period.
