Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has shared an emotional update, revealing that her newborn twin daughters have been diagnosed with a severe genetic muscle-wasting condition.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis for the Newborns
In a video posted to her followers on Sunday 4 January 2026, the 34-year-old artist explained that her babies, Ocean Jade Nelson-Foster and Story Monroe-Nelson-Foster, have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type one. The diagnosis came after Nelson's mother noticed the infants' legs "weren't moving as much as they should be."
Doctors at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital delivered the devastating prognosis. "We were told that they will probably never be able to walk and never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled," Nelson recounted. The condition affects every muscle in the body, including those needed for breathing and swallowing.
Urgent Treatment and a Race Against Time
Nelson, who gave birth to the twins in May following a complicated pregnancy, emphasised the critical importance of immediate treatment. "If it's not treated in time, your baby's life expectancy will not make it past the age of two," she stated. The singer confirmed her daughters have now received the vital treatment, expressing profound gratitude, as without it, the outcome would be fatal.
The last three months have transformed the family's life, involving endless hospital visits and learning to use specialised medical equipment. "I literally feel like my whole life has done a 360," she said, describing a sense of grieving for the future she had imagined with her children.
A Plea for Awareness and Early Detection
Nelson's primary reason for going public with the deeply personal news is to raise awareness. She wants other parents to recognise the early signs of spinal muscular atrophy to ensure swift intervention. Key symptoms, as noted by the NHS, include floppiness in the limbs and movement difficulties.
"The main thing I want to get across is that the majority of this can be prevented if it is detected from birth and all it takes is a heel prick," she urged, referencing the standard newborn blood spot test offered in the UK. Early diagnosis dramatically improves the effectiveness of available treatments.
Despite the immense challenges, Nelson holds onto hope, believing her daughters will "defy the odds." She concluded her message by focusing on gratitude for her children's presence, while championing the cause of early SMA screening for all newborns.
