ITV presenter Cat Deeley has publicly praised singer Jesy Nelson as one of the "strongest and bravest" women she has ever met, following Nelson's emotional revelation about her twin daughters' serious health diagnosis.
A Mother's Campaign for Change
This week on This Morning, the former Little Mix star opened up about the "most gruelling" few months after her eight-month-old twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1). The genetic neuromuscular disease causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Deeley, deeply moved by the interview, took to Instagram on Thursday to commend Nelson as an "amazing mama" and reshare their conversation.
Cat Deeley wrote on social media: "Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting one of the strongest, bravest and wisest women I have ever met. A mother’s love turns fear into fire - @jesynelson you are one amazing Mama."
Jesy Nelson swiftly responded in the comments, thanking Deeley for her "beautiful kind words" and stating that the support "means the absolute world to me and all of the families fighting for this change."
The Fight for Newborn Screening
The heart of Nelson's campaign is a push for the NHS to include a test for SMA1 in the standard newborn blood-spot screening, often called the heel prick test, offered when a baby is five days old. Nelson revealed that doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital have advised that her girls are "probably never going to be able to walk or regain their neck strength" because the diagnosis was not made at birth.
She stated with clear frustration: "I potentially could have saved their legs. All I can do is try my best and make change."
Nelson explained that she and her partner, Zion, had noticed early signs—such as the twins' bowed "frog legs," unusual belly breathing, and decreasing leg movement—but were initially reassured by health professionals that their premature birth might cause developmental delays. It was ultimately her mother, Janice, who persistently raised the alarm.
The singer emphasised the critical importance of time, showing videos of her daughters gradually losing leg function within their first month. "That's how quick it is," she said, "and that is why it's so important to get treatment from birth."
Political Support and the Path Forward
Nelson's campaign has gained significant traction, receiving backing from Health Secretary Wes Streeting. On Thursday, the MP shared an update to his Instagram Story, writing: "Jesy Nelson and parents like her are amazing... I will be picking up the issues Jesy has raised around screening."
Advocates highlight that the simple, non-invasive test is available in 45 countries, including the USA since 2023, and would cost the NHS just 36p per child if rolled out widely. When treated pre-symptomatically, the devastating effects of SMA1 can be largely prevented, allowing children to develop with minimal or no symptoms.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare condition, affecting about 70 babies born in the UK each year. It is caused by a fault in the SMN1 gene and is inherited when both parents carry a copy. The charity SMA UK states the UK is "shockingly far behind" in not including it in routine screening, a move that would enable early, life-altering treatment.
During the interview, an emotional Nelson broke down, comforted by Cat Deeley, as she expressed her struggle: "I just want to be their mum, I don't want to be a nurse." Her determination, however, remains steadfast as she fights for a change that could protect future families from a similar ordeal.
